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VERiMONT FOR YOUNG 
VERMONTERS 




ETHAN ALLEN MONUMENT 
(Burlington) 



VERMONT FOR YOUNG 
VERMONTERS 



BY 
MIRIAM IRENE KIMBALL 

TEACHER OF ENGLISH IN 5IONTl>ELIER SEMINARY 



WITH MANY ILLUSTRATIONS 




NEW YORK 

D. APPLETON AND COMPANY 

1904 



LIBRARY o* CONGRESS 
Two Gooles Received 
MAY 27 1904 



ht, 



Copyright Entry 



CLAS 



kS§ tc' XXo. No. 



8 7i M 

COPY B » 



COPTKIGHT, 1904, BY 

D. APPLETON AND COMPANY 



F4-- 



PREFACE 



" The greater part of a man's education is that which 
he gives himself." Self-culture comes largely through 
contact with nature, experience with men, and the reading 
of books. More than any other kind of literature history 
tends to broaden one's mental vision, and enlarge his con- 
ceptions of the dignity and worth of life. Hence it should 
be the aim of every teacher of history to create in the mind 
of the pupil a genuine love for the reading of history, and 
for the mastering of those myriad currents which have 
finally blended in the great stream of modern civilization. 
This, rather than the mere memorizing of facts, should be 
the constant aim of the instructor. 

The text-book itself should be an inspiration to further 
study : like a continued story, it should constantly deepen 
the interest of the reader and whet his appetite for that 
which is farther on. Its lessons should be clearly told in 
familiar language, and a connecting thread should run 
through the entire book so that the recollection of any 
one part will inevitably tend to bring all correlated facts to 
mind. Anecdotes are often like doors to let the sunlight 
into a dark period, and a true story will many times give 
the pupil a better understanding of the period than the 
mere recital of many facts. 

Vermont history is of rare interest ; rightly told its 
vii 



viii PKEFACE 

pages should breathe and its words should burn into the 
deepest consciousness of the student. President McKin- 
ley once said, " The people of Vermont have always been 
true to the best ideals and highest obligations of duty." 
We believe this to be true and we desire its perpetuity. 
Whatever may be its success, it is the aim of "Vermont for 
Young Vermonters " to create in the minds of Vermont 
youth a desire to know more of the history of their own 
State ; cause them to feel a just pride in its past record ; 
awaken in them a desire to preserve its old-time honor and 
integrity, its social and political purity ; and give them 
some conception of the great value of their birthright as 
sons and daughters of the Green Mountain State, impress- 
ing upon them that an ever-increasing obligation rests 
upon them to be worthy of their heritage. 

The book has been made in the schoolroom, being a 
series of lessons prepared for seventh and eighth grade 
pupils, special care being given to express the thought in 
as clear and concise a manner as possible, and to arrange 
material in such a way as to make the whole seem like a 
connected story of the people of Vermont. Every lesson 
has been tested in class. The question, " What does it 
mean ?" from the lips of a pupil, has not been without its 
suggestion ; and the author has invariably profited thereby. 

It is not uncommon in other States to teach the history 
of the State through a reader. The crowded course of 
study of its schools makes this method especially desirable 
in the State of Vermont. "Vermont for Young Ver- 
monters" is so arranged that it may conveniently be 
used in this way, though it is equally suitable as a regular 
text-book of Vermont history. The contents of the book 
fully cover the requirements of the Vermont State law in 



PEEFACE ix 

respect to the teaching of the history, civil government, 
and geography of the State. 

The work consists of the Introduction, the Blackboard 
Analysis, the History Proper, and lessons on the Geogra- 
phy and Civil Government of the State. The Introduction 
should be the first lesson, the Blackboard Analysis the 
second ; the pupil then having a good foundation upon 
which to work, is ready to take up the different periods of 
Vermont history in their order. 

To Hon. William P. Dillingham, U. S. Senator, Ex- 
Governor and Mrs. S. E. Pingree, Hon. J. L. Martin, 
U. S. District Attorney, Hon. F. A. Howland, and others, 
the author is indebted for the reading of the whole or por- 
tions of the manuscript, and for many valuable suggestions. 
Thanks are also due to Lee & Shepard, publishers of 
Drake's " Burgoyne's Invasion," the Vermont Central 
Eailway, Norwich University, and to Prof. Geo. H. Per- 
kins and others, for material furnished for illustrations, 
maps, and the like. 



CON T K NTS 



PAGE 

Introduction and Blackboard Analysis 1 

HISTORY 
First Period (Tue Indian) 

CHAPTKB 

I. French Discoveries — First Inliiibitants of Vermont . . 5 
II. Indian Customs — Indian Hostilities 17 

Second Period (The French and Indian Wars) 

III. Cause of Frencli and Indian Wars — King William's War 

— Queen Anne's War 23 

IV. Forts Built — Settlements Begun — Boundary between Mas- 

sachusetts and New Hampshire Determined . . 32 
V. Fortifications Strengthened — King George's War — Grants 

made by Governor Wentworth 39 

VI. The French and Indian War — Vermont at the Close of 

the Long Contest 46 

Third Period (Early Settlement) 

VII. New Hampshire Grants — Grantees — New York Jurisdic- 
tion 54 

VIII. Home Life of the Early Settler 62 

IX. Schools — Churches — Occupations — Recreations . . 74 

X. The Grants under New York Control — Their Discontent 

— Patents — Patentees 86 



xii CONTENTS 

CHAPTER PAGE 

XL Acts of the Committees of Safety and of the Green 

Mountain Boys 94 

XII. Indications of War with Great Britain — First Blood 

Spilled .103 

Fourth Period (The Revolution) 

XIII. Americans Possess Lake Champlain — First Regiment of 

Green Mountain Boys 110 

XIV. Patriot Army Invade Canada — Their Victories — Their 

Retreat 119 

XV. Americans Fortify themselves on the Lake — Vermonters 
Declare their Independence of New York and Adopt 

a Constitution 138 

XVI. British Advance — Their Victories 140 

XVII. British Losses— Their Retreat ...... 148 

XVIII. State Government — First Governor — Return of Ethan 

Allen 159 

XIX. Vermont Maintains Her Independence — Internal and 

External Resistance 168 

XX. Events of the Burning of Royalton .... 175 
XXI. Further Acts of the Vermont Government — Ilaldimand 

Correspondence — Close of War .... 183 

Fifth Period (Rapid Settlement) 

XXII. Vermont's Prosperity — Her Admission into the Union . 193 

XXin. Governmental 202 

XXIV. Religion — Education — Invention 213 

XXV. Occupations — Commerce 224 

Sixth Period (The War of 1812) 
XXVL A Second War with Great Britain 233 



CONTENTS xiii 

Seventh Period (Transitions) 

CHAPTBB PAGB 

XXVIl. Social, Industrial and Commercial Changes . . 245 
XXVIII. Passing of the Old Stock— Educational . . .259 

XXIX. Political 271 

XXX. Two Kinds of Railroads 279 

Eighth Period (The Civii, War) 

XXXI. The War of the Rebellion 286 

Ninth Period (Vermont Since the Civil War) 

XXXII. The Fenian Raid— Educational 301 

XXXIII. Miscellaneous Items of Interest — Industries . . 311 

XXXIV. Prominent Verraonters 319 

GEOGRAPHY OP VERMONT 

Descriptive Geography 330 

Geography Questions (Consult maps) 336 

CIVIL GOVERNMENT 

The National Government 338 

The State Government 341 

Legislative Department 341 

Executive Department 344 

Judicial Department 344, 369 

Support of the Government — Political Parties and their 

Meetings — Some Elections . . . . . . 351 

Other Governments 356 

County 357 

Town 360 

City 368 

Village 369 

The Constitution of Vermont 379 



LIST OF ILLUSTEATIONS 



PAGE 

Ethan Allen Monument, Burlington . . . Frontispiece 

Defeat of the Iroquois on Lake Champlain 8 

Sculptures at Bellows Falls 13 

Indian Rock, Brattleboro 14 

Jar dug up at Bolton Palls in 1903 15 

Iroquois long house 17 

Indian battle-axe 18 

Indian war-club 18 

Triumplial entry into Caughnawaga 31 

A stockade fort 39 

A blockhouse 41 

Indian mode of warfare 47 

Loading packhorses 52 

An old fireplace 66 

Borrowing coals 67 

Bake kettle or Dutch oven 69 

A hand loom 70 

A wool wheel 71 

Spinning flax 73 

The little red schoolhouse 74 

Sounding-board, Union Church, Strafford 76 

Old Dothan Church at Hartford 77 

Square box-pews of an old church in Rockingham ... 78 

A beaver dam . 82 

Court-house and jail at Westminster 90 

Ethan Allen 95 

XV 



xvi LIST OF ILLU8T11ATI0NS 

PAGE 

Catamount Tavern at Bennington 101 

Ruins of Fort Ticonderoga . . . .• . , . . 112 

An old gun of Ethan Allen's 120 

Old Constitution House at Windsor 138 

John Stark 149 

Colonel Baum's sword 152 

Two of the cannon captured at Bennington .... 153 

Catamount Monument 154 

Bennington Battle Monument 155 

Thomas Chittenden 164 

State seal 165 

Middlesex Narrows, Winooski River 179 

Ira Allen 187 

A post-rider 195 

Early Vermont coins 196 

Stocks 203 

Pillory 204 

Toll-gate near the Connecticut River 206 

First State House, Montpelier 211 

Billings Library (University of Vermont), Burlington . . 218 

Some of the Middlebiiry College buildings 219 

Old printing-press at the State House 221 

A group of Morgan hoi-ses 226 

Falls of the Otter Creek, at Vergennes 239 

The Connecticut River, at Bellows Falls 248 

A Franklin stove 251 

Part of a marble quarry, West Rutland 255 

Section of a granite quarry, Woodbury 256 

View in a slate quarry in western Vermont 257 

Emigrant (Conestoga) wagon and carriages 260 

Captain Alden Partridge 262 

Colonel Truman B. Ransom 263 

Norwich University Buildings in 1846 264 



LIST OF ILLUSTEATIONS xvii 

PAGE 

John G. Saxe 267 

Statue of Ethan Allen at the United States Capitol, Washington 368 

Statue of Ethan Allen at the State House 269 

University of Vermont 272 

Grassniount (University of Vermont) 273 

State flag 274 

State coat of arms 274 

Second State House, Erected in 1838 276 

Present State House 277 

One of the Brattleboro stamps 281 

A convenient way-station for tlie underground railroad . . 283 

Norwich University buildings in 1904 288 

General Alonzo Jackman 289 

Artillery drill at Norwich University 290 

Vermont Soldiers' Home, Bennington 292 

General George J. Stannard 296 

Johnson Normal School 302 

Castleton Normal School 304 

Randolph Normal School 306 

Egbert Starr Library (Middlebury College) 308 

The Athena-um, St. Johnsbury 309 

Fort Ethan Allen, at Essex . . . . . . . . 312 

Vermont State Hospital for the Insane, Waterbury . . . 313 

Burns IMonument, Barre 315 

Front panel of Burns Monument 317 

Hon. Justin S. Morrill 320 

George F. Edmunds 320 

Edward J. Phelps 321 

Rowland E. Robinson 322 

George Dewey 324 

Admiral Dewey's birthplace at Montpelier 324 

Charles E. Clark 325 

Birthplace of Admiral Clark, at Bradford 326 

2 



xviii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 

PAGK 

Mount Mansfield, as seen from Stowe 331 

Thompson's Point, Lake Champlain 332 

Notch Koad, Mount Mansfield 333 

Railroad bridge over Quechee Gulf, Woodstock Railroad . . 339 

Mark Skinner Library, Manchester 343 

Winooski Valley, near North Duxbury 345 

Montpelier Seminary 347 

Saxton's River Academy 349 

Goodrich Memorial Library, Newport 352 

Norman Williams Library, Woodstock 354 

Camel's Hump, as seen from Montpelier 357 

Lake Dunmore 359 

New iron bridge at Brattleboro . . . . . . . 361 

Lamoille River, near Milton 363 

Poster announcing town meeting 364 

Facsimile (reduced) of a ballot for a State election . Facing 366 

Memorial Building, Stowe 367 

Missisquoi River, near Swanton 371 

Government building, St. Albans 375 

LIST OP MAPS 

Indian tribes 10 

Indian villages 12 

Forts and Indian roads 26 

Plan of Fort Dummer 34 

Original plan of the town of Bennington 56 

First political divisions of Vermont 89 

Naval battle on Lake Champlain, 1776 132 

Map showing the region of Burgoyne's invasion .... 146 

Map of Vermont 329 

Geological map of Vermont 335 

Map showing counties, towns, and railroads . . Facing 342 



VERMONT 
FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 



INTEODUCTION 

The history of Vermont naturally divides itself into 
nine periods : 

1. The Indian. — This period extends to the opening of 
the French and Indian wars in 1689. In this portion of 
the work a brief sketch is given of the red men who once 
inhabited or traversed the territory now included in the 
State of Vermont. During this period Lake Champlaiu 
and its shores are for the first time looked upon by white 
men. Half a century after its discovery, the French build 
and garrison a fort upon one of its islands, and thus be- 
come the first white men to occupy any portion of the 
present State. 

2. The French and Indian Wars. — This period extends 
from 1689 to 1760, during which time the French and 
English are at war. The Wilderness, as Vermont is now 
called, is used as a thoroughfare by both parties and their 
Indian allies, and sometimes also as a battle-ground. Both 
nations grant townships in the Wilderness and make feeble 
attempts at settlement, building forts or block-houses for 
their protection. 

3. Early Settlement. — The early settlement period ex- 
tends from the close of the French and Indian wars in 
1760 to the breaking out of the Revolutionary War in 

1 



2 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

1775. During this time many townships are granted by 
the Governor of New Hampshire, under the name of tlie 
New Hampshire Grants, and settlements are made. This 
gives rise to a controversy over the ownership of the lands, 
which lasts many years, and finally results in making the 
grants an independent State. This portion of the work 
gives an account of this controversy, and relates some 
of the novel methods employed by the New Hampshire 
grantees in defense of their rights, giving also something 
of a history of the life of the pioneer and his family. 

4. The Revolutionary War. — Although extending over 
a space of about eight years only, this period (1775-1783) 
is rich in events. During the entire time the grants are 
involved in a twofold struggle : they are at war with Eng- 
land and at war with their neighbors. They also declare 
themselves independent, organize a government of their 
own, and become practically a republic, at the same time 
appealing to Congress to recognize them as an independent 
State, and grant them admission into the Union. 

5. Rajiid Settlement. — This period extends from the 
close of the Revolutionary War in 1783 to the breaking 
out of the War of 1812. Settlements spring up and grow 
rapidly, and a majority of the counties are formed. Ver- 
mont stoutly maintains her independence, and is finally 
admitted into the Union with the full consent of all con- 
cerned. Then follows a period of great growth and pros- 
perity, and the settlers in the new State are happy and 
contented. 

6. War of 1812. — This is a period of about two years, 
during which time the United States is at war with Great 
Britain, Vermont doing her full share in defending the 
frontier. 



INTllODUCTION 3 

7. Transitions. — During this time slowly but surely 
great changes are being wrought — social, industrial, and 
commercial. These are brought about by various causes, 
prominent among which are the War of 1812, the develop- 
ment of resources, the emigration of the old stock, the in- 
coming of a foreign element, the telegraph, and the rail- 
roads. This period of nearly half a century extends from 
1814 to 1861. 

8. TJie Civil War. — This period extends from the 
breaking out of the Civil War in 1861 till its close in 1865. 
Vermonters make quick and generous response to the ap- 
peal to arms, and take an honorable part in a war whose 
sole object is the preservation of the Union. 

9. Vermont since the Civil War. — This period extends 
from the close of the Civil War in 1865 to the present 
time (1904), giving something of an account of the growth 
and changes in these latter days and noting some of the 
important events of the period. 



BLACKBOARD ANALYSIS 



The Indian. 
(-1689.) 



( The Red Men. 

< Lake Chaniplaiu discovered. 

( First Occupation of Vermont by White Men. 



_, T r French and English at War. 

Fkench and Indian I Vermont used as a Thoroughfare. 

Mfiflo ^fyftn ^ 1 Grants made by French and English. 

(lb»J-i/bU.) [Attempts made at Settlement. 

o r Many Townships granted. 

Settlement. g^.^^i; 



Early 

(1760-1775.) 



ttlements made. 
Life and Customs of First Settlers- 
Land Controversy arises. 

'Colonies at War with Great Britain. 



The Revolutionary Vermont's Part in the Contest. 
^Y^jj J Controversy over Lands goes on. 



(1775-1783.) 



Vermont organizes a Government and becomes 

a Republic. 
Vermont Ajjpeals for Admission into the Union. 



„ _, fRapid Growth in Population. 

n-r'i^fl'^oT^'''^-'- J Mosi of the Counties formed. 
(17ad-l»ii5 ) < Vermont Admitted into the Union. 

[Her Prosperity. 



War of 1812. 
(1812-1814.) 



Transitions... 
(1814-1861.) 



Civil War 

(1861-1865.) 



U. S. at War with Great Britain. 
Vermont helps Guard the Frontier. 

C f Industrial. 

Changes -j Commercial. 
I Social. 

Development of Resources. 

War of 1812. 
Railroads. 
Telegraph. 
Emigration. 
[ Immigration. 



and 



Causes 



Civil Strife in the United States. 
Vermont makes an Honorable Record. 



Vermont Since the Civil j /-, ., />,, , ^ ^ . 

Yj^j^j^ f Growth, Changes, and Important 

(1865-1904]) I E^*^°t«- 



FIRST PERIOD 



THE INDIAN 

(-1689) 



CHAPTER I 

FRENCH DISCOVERIES — FIRST INHABITANTS OF VERMONT 

First Inhabitants. — In a remote age, long before the 
discovery of Lake Champlain by white men, a tribe of In- 
dians is supj)osed to have dwelt upon its eastern shores. 
There is nothing to show to which of the many races of 
Indians, dwelling upon the American continent at the com- 
ing of the white man, this tribe belonged ; or whether 
they were an entirely distinct people, perhaps annihilated 
by succeeding races ; but that such a people lived there 
seems to be little doubt, as many of the relics, found in 
the river valleys in the western part of the State, indi- 
cate an age antedating by far that of the Indian whom 
the white man found when he came here to settle. 

First Knowledge of Lake Champlain. — In the year 
1G08, Samuel de Champlain, a Frenchman, sailed up the 
St. Lawrence River and planted a colony at Quebec — the 
first colony made by white men in Canada. Europeans 
had, for at least a century, fished upon the banks of New- 
foundland ; but, up to that time, had made no permanent 
settlements. 

5 



6 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

Cliainplain, possessing to a great degree the love for 
adventure and conquest common to the times, and hearing 
from the Indians of a beautiful lake at the southwest, de- 
termined to explore it. 

Discovery of Lake Champlain. — The Algonquin (Al- 
gon'kin) Indians, who knew something of the country, 
agreed to accompany him on his adventurous undertaking 
on condition that he aid them in battle against the Iro- 
quois (Iro-quoi'), their deadly enemies, should they encoun- 
ter them. 

With two other Frenchmen and about sixty Indians, 
Champlain slowly paddled his way up the St. Lawrence 
and Richelieu rivers, and on July 3, 1609, sighted a sheet 
of water to the south, which, set in a wilderness of luxu- 
riant green, was indeed beautiful, as the Indians had said. 
The next day he entered the lake. He spent three weeks 
exploring it and its shores, going as far south as Crown 
Point or Ticonderoga, perhaps farther ; and this was prob- 
ably the first time that any part of Vermont had ever been 
looked upon by white men. It was but a month later that 
Captain Henry Hudson entered New York Harbor and 
sailed up the Hudson River to where Albany now stands. 

Champlain' s Allusion to the Green Mountains ; Lamoille 
River Discovered. — The following is Champlain's own 
account of his discovery of the Green Mountains: "Con- 
tinuing our route along the west side of the lake, contem- 
plating the country, I saw on the east side very high 
mountains capped with snow. I asked the Indians if those 
parts were inhabited. They answered me 'yes,' and that 
they (the inhabitants) were Iroquois, and that there were 
in those parts beautiful valleys, and fields fertile in corn 
as good as I had ever eaten in the country, with an infini- 



THE INDIAN 7 

tilde of other fruits." They also tokl him that the ishmds 
of the hike were formerly occupied by the Iroquois, but 
had now for some time been abandoned because of war be- 
tween the Iroquois and their own nation. 

On this expedition a river to the east is said to liave 
been discovered by Champhiin and called by him '"La 
Mouette," the French name for gull, a fowl abundant at 
its mouth. Through the carelessness of the engraver the 
t's were not crossed, when it was put on the French map 
of "New Discoveries," and the name became Lauioille. 

An Encounter with the Iroquois. — On the evening of 
July 12, while skirting the west sliore of the lake near 
where Ticonderoga now stands, the little fleet met a force 
of the Iroquois three times as large as their own. The 
Iroquois quickly landed and began to make preparations 
for the morrow's conflict. 

Unaccustomed to defeat, confidently they advanced to 
meet tlie invaders at early dawn of the following morning; 
but the sight of the steel-clad warriors, from whose fire- 
arms flashed the death-giving bolts, which prostrated one 
after another of their brave men, filled them with terror, 
and they fled, leaving about fifty of their number dead on 
the field. For the first time the Iroquois had seen the 
white man's weapon, which he afterward learned to use 
with such deadly effect upon those who taught him its use. 

Champhiin and his companions took several prisoners 
and some booty, and these they carried witli them on their 
return to Canada. 

Tills battle, though seemingly of little importance, may 
possibly be classed among the world's decisive victories. 
The haughty Iroquois could hardly be expected to overlook 
this hnmiliation, and were thereafter the implacable ene- 



8 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

mies of the French. If instead of adopting the course they 
did the French had sought to gain the friendship of this 
people, the result of the subsequent contest between the 
French and English for the possession of the Champlain- 
Hudson Valley might have been different. 

French Claims By virtue of Champlain's discovery 

and succeeding explorations by himself and French mis- 
sionaries, the French claimed the Champlain and Lake 




Defeat of the Iroquois on Lake Champlain. 

plain.) 



(Drawn by Cham- 



George valleys as a part of New France. This claim in- 
cluded the greater part of western Vermont. Upon the 
map of his discoveries which Champlain made later, he 
called the mountains he had seen at the east ''Verd 
Mont/' or Green Mountains, the name probably suggested 
by the dense growth of evergreen trees which covered 
their slopes; and he gave the lake his own name, " Cham- 
plain/' 



THE INDIAN 9 

Two Great Races — At the time of Champlain's dis- 
covery, two great races of Indians dwelt in the northeast 
section of the United States and to the north in Canada. 
They were the Iroquois and the Algonquins, 

The Iroquois possessed what is now New York, quite a 
stretch of country to the west of it, and at least that por- 
tion of Vermont west of the Green Mountains. The Al- 
gonquins occupied most of Canada and the New England 
States, and much of the country between the Delaware 
and Mississippi rivers. In a word, they completely sur- 
rounded the Iroquois. 

Now, although the Algonquins greatly outnumbered 
the Iroquois, they lived in constant fear of them. In the 
first place, the Algonquin tribes were widely distributed 
and could not easily join forces when necessary to fight 
that nation ; while the Iroquois, from their very situa- 
tion, were more closely bound togetlier. Besides this, the 
Iroquois were braver, more enlightened, had better homes 
and more strongly fortified villages, a stronger govern- 
ment, and were in every way superior to the Algonquins 
as a race. 

The territory occupied by these two races was particu- 
larly well fitted for the Indians' savage mode of living, the 
woods abounding in game and the rivers and lakes in fish, 
and the climate being well adapted to the growth of Indian 
corn and beans, which constituted a large part of their 
food supply. We can not wonder, then, that they were so 
loath to give up their right to this territory, and fought 
so desperately, yet hopelessly, the white man who came to 
take their lands from them. 

Tribes. — These races of Indians were divided into many 
small tribes or families, each of which was composed of 



10 VEUMOKT FOR YOUNG VEKMONTERS 

kinsmen. The tribes dwelt in small villages, seldom of 
more tlian five hundred inhabitants each. These villages 
were enclosed by stockades consisting of one, two, and 
sometimes three rows of posts set upright in the ground 
and close together. Each tribe had a chief who led in 




Map showing Indian tribes. 



war, directed in hunting, and was considered authority in 
matters of weight. In times of great danger all the tribes 
of a race united, and usually put themselves under the 
leadership of the chief of the most powerful tribe. 

The Iroquois had five principal divisions, consisting of 
the Mo'hawks, Onei'das, Sen'ecas, Cayu'gas, and Onon- 



THE INDIAN 11 

dii'gas ; hence they were often styled the Five Nations. 
The Tuscard'ras, living to the south of them, were added 
at a later date ; after which they were called the Six 
Nations. Among the neighboring Algonquin tribes were 
the Pennacook, Massachusett, Mohegan, and Abena'ki. 
After a time the Abenaki became generally known as the 
St. Francis Indians, probably because one of their most 
powerful families lived at St. Francis. 

Indian Occupancy. — It is quite probable that the land 
between Lake Champlain and the Connecticut Kiver — 
which will now be known as the Wilderness — was for ages 
mostly unoccupied. It was, as it were, a broad hunting- 
ground between the two races, where both hunted and 
fought and which each claimed in turn by right of con- 
quest. Their homes, however, because of their fear of 
each other, they built upon the outskirts of this territory 
or beyond its limits. 

At the coming of Champlain, the valleys to the east of 
Lake Champlain were probably not then occupied by the 
Iroquois so much as at an earlier date, if at all ; but no 
doubt their hunting-ground then included the whole of the 
western portion of the State, though it is doubtful if they 
often extended their wanderings across the mountains. 
Three Indian villages are known to have existed in the 
present State of Vermont. 

Indian Village at Vernon. — An Indian village called 
Squakheag (Squaw'keeg) comprised what is now Hinsdale, 
N. H. ; Northfield, Mass.; and Vernon, Vt. The Squak- 
heags and Pocum'tucks occupied jointly this territory. 
The former are thought to have been the remnant of the 
Mohegan tribe, who were driven out of eastern New York 
by the Mohawks, and who had fled for refuge across the 



6r/v7AA/c/5 







Iiuliau ^•illages. 
12 



THE INDIAN 



13 



Green Mountains, placing themselves under the protection 
of the Pocumtucks. 

Mr. George Sheldon, the historian of Deerfield, in re- 
cent investigations, has discovered '' Indian barns " (as tliey 
were called by the first settlers) in all three of the before- 
named places. These barns were excavations made in the 
earth (always on a watershed) and used by the Indians for 
t h e s to r i ng of p ro- r— 

visions. He also 
found heaps of 
stones such as 
were used by the 
Indians in cook- 
ing food. The 
manner in which 
such cooking was 
done was as fol- 
lows : Placing the 
material to be 
cooked in a ket- 
tle, with a suffi- 
cient quantity of 
water, the Indians 
lieated the stones Sculptures at Bellows Falls. 

red hot, and then continued to throw them into the kettle 
until the food was cooked to their satisfaction. 

The village of Squakheag was in existence as late as 
1064 or 1G65, when the inhabitants were almost annihi- 
lated by their old enemy, the Mohawks. 

Indian Village at Newbury; Indian Sculptures. — The 
Abenaki dwelt origiiudly in Maine, New Hampshire, and 
perhaps Massachusetts ; but later they seem to have spread 




14 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

over the country to the nortli. A portion of this tribe 
settled in the Coos' country (Coos signifying the pines), on 
the upper waters of the Connecticut ; and these went by 
the name of the Cossucks, a name which indicated that 
they dwelt, on the river by the pines. 

When the first settlers came to Newbury,, the remains 
of an Indian fort were still visible ; to this the children 
and squaws were accustomed to go for safety when the red 
men were on the war-path. Among other evidences of 




Indian Rock. Brattleboro. 



Indian occupation, were found a stone mortar and pestle, 
arrow-heads, and an old burying-grouiid which showed 
that the Indians were buried in a sitting posture. 

The Cossucks dwelt here until the year 1725, when, 
becoming alarmed over the defeat of a large force of 
Indians in New Hampshire, they removed to Canada and 
became identified with the St. Francis Indians. 

At the close of the French and Indian wars, a few 
families returned to Coos and remained there till they 
became extinct. Notable among those who returned were 



THE INDIAN 



15 



Molly and Joe,, for whom Molly's and Joe's ponds, in the 
town of Oabot, were named. 

At Brattleboro and Bellows Falls were fonnd Indian 
sculptures upon rocks. These were rude drawings of the 
human head, animals, etc.; and they were supposed to 
have commemorated victories, as it was the custom of the 




Jar dug up at Bolton Falls in 1903. 

savages to leave such records upon rocks and trees on their 
way home from successful campaigns. The number of 
heads may have indicated the number of scalps taken in 
war. Residents tell us that traces of these sculptures may 
still be seen. 

Village at Swanton. — As the Iroquois gradually retired 
to the west of Lake Champlain, the rich lands of the 



16 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

Missisqiioi Valley began to be occupied by a portion of the 
Abenaki. Quite a flourishing Indian village was found at 
Swanton, when the French built their fort on Isle La 
Motte in 1666, and it is thought to have been begun as 
early as 1650. 

All til rough this section interesting and valuable relics 
have been discovered, which indicate different ages of 
occupation. These consist of places of burial ; implements 
of warfare, hunting, and fishing; vases, urns, mortars, 
and pestles. There was also a castle at Swanton, w,ljich 
we find represented upon some of the old French and 
English maps. 

An urn was dug up at Colchester with a capacity of 
about four quarts ; and one at Middlebury, of about twenty 
quarts. An urn similar to these was also found at Bolton ; 
and at St. Albans Buy a pestle was dug up which had a 
well-defined bird's head ujion it. A second time the soil 
of BoltoQ yielded up its archaeological treasures, when, in 
August of the year 1903, an Indian jar remarkably well 
preserved was unearthed at Bolton Falls. Tiiis is ten 
inches in height, and will hold twelve quarts. 



CHAPTEE II 



INDIAN" CUSTOMS — INDIAN HOSTILITIES 

Indian Life. — It is difficult to realize that upon the 
land where we now live the dark-skinned savages once 
made their homes. Many of their houses were veritable 
tenement-houses, sixty or eighty feet long, and, like the 
long-house of the Iroquois, would accommodate sometimes 
twenty families each. 

Here on Vermont soil roamed the matchless hunter, 
who could track game for miles through dense forests and 



.fc-- c 




Iroquois long house. 

over steep and jagged rocks, where to the untrained eye 
there was nothing to indicate that an animal had passed 
that way. Broken or bent blades of grass told him, not 
only that game had gone by, but even its kind. Here the 
red man fished, sometimes with his hook of bone, some- 
times with a net constructed of the fibrous bark of the elm- 
tree, and at other times with a long spear fitted with a tri- 
angular piece of flint for a head. Here he hunted and 
fought with bow and arrow, war-club and tomahawk — his 

17 



18 VERMONT FOR YOUNG YERMONTERS 

war-club a stout oaken stick with a heavy knob at one end 
in which were often inserted sharp pieces of flint. The 
Indian had a very ingenious way of fashioning his toma- 
hawk. He first made a stone head with a groove around 
it. Then making a slit in a growing sapling he inserted 
the head, and there it was allowed to remain until the 




young tree had grown securely around it ; the sapling was 
then cut above and below to form the handle, and the 
tomahawk was complete. 

Here the swarthy squaw planted corn and beans, pump- 
kins and squashes, with no tool save a shell, or, perhaps, a 
rude hoe made of a piece of slate to which was fastened a 
handle made of strong withes tightly bound together with 
rawhide. Here she tanned the skins of the wild moose 
and deer, and of them made clothing, sewing them with a 
needle made ofttimes of fish-bones. Here she fashioned 




Indian war-club. 



her pottery in the following manner : Making a wicker 
basket, she lined it with a mixture of clay and sand ; she 
then placed it in a hot fire where the basket was burned 
away, leaving only the hardened pot. Corn, cut green 
from the cob and cooked, she called samp ; and corn and 
beans cooked together, succotash. Hominy she made by 



THE INDIAN 19 

pouuding ripe corn in a stone mortar, or a hollowed stump, 
with a stone pestle, and boiling the coarse meal which was 
produced. She also baked beans, and popcorn was to her 
" the corn that flowers." 

Government. — The government of the savages was 
simple but seemed to answer every purpose. It was purely 
democratic, for the will of the people was the law. The old 
men were held in great respect and were the counselors, 
as the young men were the warriors. Among the Indians 
there was no executive power — no officers to compel obe- 
dience, none to inflict punishment ; and, indeed, there was 
little need of such, for the Indian always used well those 
of his own tribe, and public sentiment was so strong 
against lying or stealing, that misdemeanors of that kind 
were of rare occurrence. 

The law-making councils were conducted with great 
dignity and order. The old men sat in the foremost ranks, 
the warriors next, and the women and children last. Each 
speaker spoke slowly and with great seriousness, and no 
one was ever interrupted. Tlie greater the man^s powers 
of oratory, the greater his influence ; hence oratory was 
naturally a part of the Indian boy's education. It was 
the duty of the squaws to take notice of all that passed, 
record it in their memories, and afterward communicate 
it to their children. In this way public transactions were 
handed down from one generation to another. 

The Indian's Idea of Property, — By agriculture, hunt- 
ing, fishing, and the taking of plunder in war, the Indian 
provided for his family. His chief source of subsistence 
was hunting ; and, on this account, a large territory was 
necessary for the support of a small number of people. 
The territory belonged to the tribe. No one individual 



20 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

made any claim to land or had any idea that it' belonged to 
him any more than to any other person ; but the game of 
the forest and the fish of the rivers, which he acquired by 
his own exertion, became his particular property, and no 
Indian presumed to dispute his right to them or tried to 
take them from him. The Indian's house and cornfield 
were his also ; but the moment he pulled up stakes and 
went away, any other of his tribe might take his place and 
pursue his occupation, if he so desired. With his idea of 
property, we can not wonder that the Indian did not always 
understand that selling his lands to the white man meant 
his own exclusion from them. 

It is interesting to note that in 1796 the Iroquois 
presented a claim to the Legislature of Vermont for pay- 
ment for about two million acres of land in Vermont ; and 
have since from time to time repeated the claim, the last 
time in 1888. 

Fort St. Anne Having incurred the enmity of the 

Iroquois by joining the Algonquins in fighting against 
them, the French soon found themselves obliged to build 
forts to protect themselves. A line of them was con- 
structed on the Richelieu, or Sorel River ; and in 1666 
one on Isle La Motte which was named Fort St. Anne. 
This was the first place in the State occupied by white 
men. General Tracy, who Avas then at the head of the 
French troops in Canada, sent Captain La Motte, for whom 
the island was named, with about sixty men, to garrison 
the fort. 

The first winter there was a hard one. Having little 
provision save salt pork and poor flour, they suffered much 
from lack of proper food ; and, at one time, two-thirds of 
the men were ill, and during the winter eleven of them died. 



THE INDIAN 21 

A Raid against the Mohawk Indians. — In the fall of 
the year Fort St. Anne was built, a large force of French 
and Indians camped near the fort on their way from 
Montreal to the Mohawk Valley to fight the Indians living 
there. Paddling their canoes up lakes Champlain and 
George, they then went west into the Mohawk Valley. 

Here they found several flourishing Indian villages 
strongly fortified by triple palisades, or high picket fences ; 
and within these enclosures were high platforms from which 
the Mohawks might fire down upon an attacking enemy. 
Here also were large tanks of water to be used in case of 
fire. 

Notwithstanding the strength of their fortifications, 
the Mohawks, unaccustomed to the sight of firearms, be- 
came alarmed at the first approach of the enemy and fled 
from their villages. 

There was now nothing to prevent the invaders from 
entering and taking large supplies of corn and beans which 
they found there, as well as a large number of saws and 
axes which the Indians had obtained from the Dutch, who 
then had a settlement in Albany. Everything that was 
portable they carried with them back to Canada, 

Indian Names. — As we have a few French names left 
upon the map of Vermont as a result of French explora- 
tion, so we have a few Indian names as a result of Indian 
occupancy. At the coming of the first white settlers, most 
of the mountains, rivers, lakes, and ponds had Indian names 
(all of them Algonquin). Some of these have been re- 
tained to the present day. 

Winooski is from winoos, signifying onions, and hi, 
meaning land, so called from the profusion of wild onions 
which grew on its banks. The Indian words missi, plenty. 



22 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

and kishoo, water-fowls, we have in the word Missisquoi. 
Passumpsic is said to be derived from the Indian Bas- 
soom-suc, meaning a stream where there is much medicine. 
Ompompanoosuc means a stream where many onions are 
found ; Ottaquechee, black water ; and Memphremagog, a 
large and long sheet of water. 

TEST. 

1. When was Lake Champlaiu discovered, and by whom ? 

2. Who accompanied him on this tour of discovery, and on what con- 

dition ? 

3. What settlement had he made the year before ? 

4. Give an account of this expedition. 

5. What other exploration was made about this time ? 

6. What Indian races contested for the ownership of portions of the 

present State of Vermont during this period ? 

7. Where did they live ? 

8. For what was the territory now called Vermont used at the time 

of the discovery of Lake Ohamplain ? 

9. What evidences have we of Indian occupancy ? 

10. Tell about the Indian villages that once existed in Vermont. 

11. Tell something of the government of the Indians. 

12. What were their occupations ? 

13. Of what foods do you think the early New England settlers learned 

of the Indians ? 

14. What were the French finally obliged to do in order to protect 

themselves against the Iroquois ? 

15. What place in Vermont was first occupied by white men ? 

16. Tell something of its history. 

17. Describe the expedition against the Mohawks. 

18. What names are left upon the Vermont map as the result of 

French exploration ? of Indian occupancy ? 

19. Where are the following rivers ? Richelieu, Lamoille, Winooski, 

Passumpsic, Ompompanoosuc, Ottaquechee, St. Francis 

20. Locate Lake Memphremagog, Isle La Motte, Mohawk Valley. 



SECOND PERIOD 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS 

(1689-1760) 



CHAPTER III 

CAUSE OF FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS — KING WILLIAM'S 

WAR — QUEEN ANNE's WAR 

Cause of the French and Indian Wars. — During a 
period of nearly three-quarters of a century, France and 
England had frequent recourse to arms to settle their dis- 
putes, which were, for the most part, in regard to territo- 
rial possessions. 

In America, the English occupied a strip of land on 
the Atlantic coast, reaching from Acadia to Florida, and 
extending west to the Appalachian Mountains. The 
French held Canada, and had made some settlements 
there. They also claimed, by right of exploration, the 
Champlain, the Lake George, and the Mississippi valleys. 
Both the French and English laid claim to the Ohio Val- 
ley, the former by virtue of exploration, and the latter 
through a treaty made with the Iroquois Indians. 

Whenever the peace was broken between the mother 
countries in Europe, their colonies in America became in- 
volved in the contest. The struggle between France and 
England is usually spoken of in this country as four dis- 

33 



24 VERMONT FOR YOUA'G VERMONTERS 

tinct wars, as there were long intervals of peace between 
the periods of active warfare. The four separate wars 
were : King William's War, Queen Anne's War, King 
George's War, and the French and Indian War. 

Indian Allies. — Both the French and English culti- 
vated the most friendly terms with the Indians in their 
resi>ective localities ; and both, in order to hold them 
within their power, were compelled to promise them aid in 
making war against their enemies. Among other things, 
these nations furnished the Indians with firearms and 
taught them their use, thus making them a more serious 
menace to the early white settlers than they would have 
been with only their simple weapons of bow and arrow. 

The Algojiquins allied themselves with the French, 
and the Iroquois with the English ; but both races often 
proved unsatisfactory aids to their white masters, being 
ofttimes unreliable and unmanageable. During the inter- 
vals wheji the French and English were under treaty of 
peace, a kind of guerrilla warfare was often carried on in 
this country, when both the French and English, with 
their savage allies, went forth in small parties to harass the 
enemy, many times for the sole purpose of satisfying the 
savages in their great thirst for vengeance. A cessation of 
hostilities was entirely beyond the comprehension of the 
Indian, in whose vocabulary there is no such word as 
peace. The annihilation of the enemy was his one idea of 
effecting a settlement. 

The Wilderness during this Period. — It is not my pur- 
pose to relate events of this struggle other than those that 
took place within the region of the State, except as it may 
be necessary to keep the connection. 

Being situated, as it were, at nearly an equal distance 



THE FRENCH AND INDIxVN AVARS ^5 

between the French and English settlements, the Wilder- 
ness was exposed to the depredations of both, and so did 
not invite settlement. During both the Colonial and the 
French and Indian wars, it was, however, a very impor- 
tant thoroughfare, and was repeatedly traversed by hostile 
parties. It was oftentimes the scene of bloody battles be- 
tween the white settlers and hostile Indians, and at all 
times a favorite lurking-place for the latter. 

Modes of Travel. — Commonly both the Indian and the 
white man followed the waterways. When there was open 
water, the rivers and many of their larger tributaries were 
navigable almost to their sources for the light birch-bark 
canoes, which could be carried easily around falls and over 
watersheds upon the shoulders of the men. When the 
portages were long, and sometimes for other reasons, it 
was more convenient to place the canoes in hiding and go 
on without them. In this case the party quickly fashioned 
new ones, before proceeding, when they again reached nav- 
igable streams. Thus canoes would be stationed along the 
way for their use on their return. When night overtook 
the traveler he often turned his canoe up on end for shel- 
ter. Such was the manner of travel in summer ; and 
these same streams, when paved with ice in winter, were 
easy paths for the snow-shoe and toboggan. 

Routes of Travel. — The favorite route, taken by the 
French to reach the English settlements, was by the way 
of the Richelieu River and Lake Champlainto the Wi- 
nooski ; then, following up that stream and one of its 
branches, the traveler came to a portage, and, crossing it, 
reached one of the northern branches of the White River ; 
it was then open way down this and the White River to 
the Connecticut, and thence to Massachusetts. This route 



fbKT^T fk£D£RIC ■ 
TlCONDEROOA, 







■ /ioRrMF/£iO 



DcEffF/EtO ■ 



Forts and Indian roads. 
^6 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS 27 

was so often traveled by the French that it came to have 
the name of the French road, and the Winooski as the 
French river. 

The Indians oftener crossed from Lake Champlain to 
the Connecticut River by way of the Otter Creek and 
Black (sometimes West) River, and this was known as the 
Indian road. Another route often taken by the Canadian 
Indians was by the way of the St. Francis River, Lake 
Memphremagog, Passumpsic and Connecticut rivers. 

Schenectady Destroyed ; a French Custom — King Will- 
iam's War broke out in 1G89 and lasted eight years. 
Among the important expeditions of the French against 
the English was one against Schenectady, a town fourteen 
miles from Albany and on the Mohawk River. 

Frontenac, who was then the French governor of Can- 
ada, had been instructed to attempt the conquest of the 
English colonies in America. At his order, a force of 
200 Frenchmen and fifty Indians set out from Montreal 
in the winter of 1690 ; and, proceeding through deep 
snows by the way of Lake Champlain and Lake George, 
they arrived at the little village of Schenectady about mid- 
night. Learning through their spies that the place was in 
no condition for defense, they separated into small com- 
panies and in that manner entered the village so quietly 
that the inhabitants were not aware of danger until there 
was an enemy before nearly every house. A cruel massa- 
cre followed ; and in an incredibly short space of time 
the whole village was in flames. Sixty persons were killed, 
twenty-seven taken prisoners, and a few, escaping, fled 
half naked through the deep snows to Albany. 

It has been said that the French had two strong allies, 
the Algonquins and winter. True it is that it was their 



28 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

custom to make their attacks in winter ; and, like their 
Indian allies, with snow-shoe and toboggan, make nse of 
the ice-bound lakes and rivers. It was always witli feel- 
ings of relief that the English beheld the breaking up of 
the ice in the spring, for the danger of a winter's incursion 
was then considered to be over. 

The First English Expedition into Vermont. — In the 
same year that the expedition against Schenectady was 
made, the English determined to build a fort at what is 
now Chimney Point in Addison, and sent Jacob de Warm 
(sometimes written de Narm) for that purpose. The fort 
was built but not garrisoned, having been intended only 
as a stopping-place for troops to and from Canada. This 
was the first English expedition into Vermont. 

Attack on Deerfield. — After an interval of about five 
years, in whicli there was peace between the rival nations. 
Queen Anne's War broke out (1702) and continued for 
eleven years. The first and principal move in this country 
was made by the French, in 1704, in an expedition against 
Deerfield, one of the frontier towns on the Connecticut 
River. 

A force of 200 French and 142 Indians proceeded over 
the French road in midwinter wlien the snow was deep 
upon the ground. Their provision sleds, some of which 
were drawn by dogs, they left at West River guarded by a 
small number of their men. The remaining force hurried 
on to Deerfield, reaching there in the evening. Conceal- 
ing themselves until the latter part of the night, when the 
guards had left the streets, they rushed into the village, 
finding easy access by means of the crusted drifts piled up 
to the very tops of the low palisades by which Deerfield was 
protected. 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS 29 

A terrible slaughter of the unsuspecting people followed, 
and in a short time the town was well-nigh reduced to 
ashes. Forty-seven of the inhabitants had been slain ; 
and, soon after dawn, the victors were on their way to 
Canada, with over a hundred prisoners and considerable 
booty. 

The Journey to Canada ; the Williams Family. — The 
Indians now divided tlieir captives into small i)arties, over 
each of which an Indian was placed, who called himself 
the master of the party. This was done for the reason that 
it was easier to supply a small company with fresh meat 
than a large one ; and they depended in a great measure 
on the game of the forest for their subsistence. The pris- 
oners were also furnished with moccasins and snow-shoes, 
which the French had brought for them from Canada. 

Among the captives was the minister's family, consist- 
ing of Mr. and Mrs. Williams, their seven children, and two 
negro servants. One of the servants and two of the chil- 
dren were slain at the start ; and Mrs. Williams was soon 
after put to death, as she had fallen into the water while 
crossing a brook, and, hindered by her wet clothing, was 
unable to keep up with the party. 

On the first Sunday of their captivity the prisoners 
were allowed to rest, at a point on a western branch of the 
Connecticut River, not far from where Bellows Falls now 
stands. Here Mr. Williams preached to the captives ; and, 
in commemoration of this circumstance, the branch was 
named Williams River. 

At White River the company divided. One party, of 
which the Rev. Mr. Williams was a member, returned to 
Canada by the same route over which they had come, 
stopping for a time at the Indian village at Swanton. 



30 VEKMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

Another party, containing Mr. Williams's son, ascended 
the Connecticut River, halting at Coos meadows, where 
they barely escaped starvation by procuring wild game. 
Indeed, two of the captives actually died of hunger. 

Allured by the rich meadow-lauds, the Indians decided 
to remain here for the corn-planting. The corn was planted 
the next spring, but the planters did not wait for the har- 
vest. A report had come to them that a tribe near by had 
been almost entirely destroyed by English allies, and they 
feared that they too were about to be attacked. They ac- 
cordingly left their cornfields, and hurried on to Canada 
by way of the Wells and Winooski rivers and Lake Cham" 
plain. 

Most of the captives were afterward redeemed and 
allowed to return to their friends ; but Eunice Williams, 
seven years old at the time of her captivity, was never 
ransomed. She became so attached to Indian life that she 
had no desire to return to her friends ; and the Indians, 
declaring that " they would as soon part with their own 
hearts," refused all ransom for her. She finally married 
an Indian, and several times afterward visited Deerfield, 
but would never consent to return to civilized life. 

Probably the real cause of this great tragedy was the 
desire of the Canadian governor to please the Abenaki 
Indians, whom he wished to retain as allies. 

In an old French version a different reason is given for 
the raid on Deerfield. A French priest of Caughnawaga 
requested the Indians of his mission to send peltry to 
France in exchange for a bell for their church. They did 
so, but the vessel that bore the bell was seized on the way 
over by the British ; and the bell at length found its way 
to Deerfield. Here, with the popish inscription erased 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS 



31 



from its side, it hung in the belfry of a church, until a 
force of French and Indians made a raid upon Deerfield, 

and carried the bell away. 
With much labor they con- 
veyed it through the deep 
snows as far as Lake Cham- 
plain, where they buried it. 
The next spring some 
young Indians came back 
for the bell. Bearing it 
upon a pole between them, 
they entered Caughnawaga 
in triumph ; and when in 
the distance the villagers 
heard the first faint sounds 
of the bell, they exclaimed 
with joy, "It is the bell!" 

Whether this tale be true 
or not, no one knows ; but a 
brazen bell, from whose sides the inscription had been 
pared away, hung for many years iu a church at Caughna- 
waga. 




Triumphal entry into Caughna- 
waga. 



CHAPTEE IV 

FORTS BUILT — SETTLEMENTS BEGUN — BOUNDARY BE- 
TWEEN MASSACHUSETTS AND NEW HAMPSHIRE DE- 
TERMINED 

Thirty Years of Peace. — After the close of Queen 
Anne's War there was peace for over thirty years, but in 
the meantime Vermont history was making. Among the 
events of these years was the building of forts by both 
nations and the establisliment of the boundary-line be- 
tween Massachusetts and New Hampshire. 

Equivalent Lands. — On determining the boundaries 
between Massachusetts and Connecticut, in 1713, acres of 
land, previously granted by Massachusetts, were found to 
come rightfully within the limits of Connecticut. Massa- 
chusetts, wishing to retain all lands granted by her, 
entered into an agreement with her sister colony to give 
the latter a certain number of her acres as an equivalent 
for those taken. Tiie Equivalent Lands were located in 
four different places, one being above Northfield on the 
west bank of the Connecticut River Avithin the limits of 
thepresent towns of Brattleboro, Dummerston, and Putney. 

The Connecticut Colony then caused these lands to be 
sold at public auction. The purchasers, now being tenants 
in common, made partition of their lands, and the tract 
above Northfield fell to William Dummer (afterward 
lieutenant-governor of Massachusetts), William Brattle, 
and three others, and was held by them for many years. 

32 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS 33 

Fort Dummer. — Between the years 1720 and 1725, a 
fierce warfare was carried on between the Abenaki Indians 
and the English settlers. Although the. French and Eng- 
lish were then under treaty of peace, both the governors 
of Canada and the French missionaries constantly incited 
the Indians to deeds of hostility against the English. 

Northfield and Deerfield were then the frontier towns 
on the Connecticut, and were comparatively well protected 
against the enemy. But to keep the enemy at a distance 
and thus render the safety of these towns more sure, it 
was voted by the Massachusetts government to build a fort 
somewhere above Northfield on the west side of the Con- 
necticut River, on lands called the Equivalent Lands. 
As some of the western Indians were to form a part of 
the garrison, it was voted to appropriate not only sufficient 
land for the fort, but also an additional five or six acres 
of interval land to be plowed up for the use of those 
Indians who should wish to bring their families with 
them. 

With the consent of Lieutenant-Governor Dummer, a 
site was chosen within the present bounds of Brattleboro ; 
and, in the spring of 1724, a fort was built and called 
Fort Dummer. It enclosed a third of an acre of ground 
and was about 180 feet square, made of hewn logs of 
yellow pine laid up log-house fashion and interlocking at 
the corners after the manner of a blockhouse. Upon the 
walls of the fort were boxes for sentries and platforms for 
the cannon. The houses were built within, having the 
wall of the fort answer for their outer sides. 

Its first garrison consisted of fifty-five men, of whom 
about a dozen were western Indians coming from the 
vicinity of the Hudson River. The fort was also fur- 



34 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

iiished with a chaplain, who acted as pastor to the soldiers 
and missionary to the Indians. 

Through the advice of Captain Joseph Kellogg, who 
had been for many years a prisoner in Canada, and who 



nCn 




Plan of Fort Dummer. 

had there learned of the lucrative peltry trade carried on 
between the French and the western Indians, Fort Dum- 
mer was soon made an important trading-post. Here the 
western Indians, finding that they could make better 
bargains at this station than at the French trading-posts. 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS 35 

came in large numbers, exchanging moose and deer skins 
and tallow for clothing, food, and the like. 

A few months after the completion of this fort, it was 
attacked by seventy hostile Indians ; and four or five of its 
occupants were killed or wounded. 

Within and around this fort grew up a settlement 
which was called Brattleboro. This has been called the 
first permanent settlement in Vermont, though it is possi- 
ble that the town of Vernon, which was then a part of 
Northfield, Mass., was settled previous to this time. In 
Brattleboro was born John Sargent, probably the first 
white child born in the State. 

French Grants. — It was during this long interval of 
peace, and closely following 1725, that the French king 
made grants pf extensive areas of land, called seignories, 
on both sides of Lake Champlain, and extending south to 
Crown Point and Ticonderoga. These seignories were 
much larger than the townships granted by the English, 
and were measured by leagues instead of miles. A settle- 
ment was made at Alburg, of perhaps a dozen settlers, 
wliere there was erected a windmill of stone masonry and 
perhaps a church. 

A French Settlement. — Notable among the French 
settlements on Vermont soil was that at Chimney Point, 
begun in 1730, forty years after the building of the fort 
there by the English, Here was built and garrisoned a 
stone Avindmill, and a blockhouse was also erected to serve 
as a citadel in times of danger. 

Northward from the fort and extending along the lake 
shore a few miles, the settlers built their log huts and 
planted their favorite marigold and lily, which bloomed in 
picturesque confusion around every doorway. Here might 



36 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

be seen well-cultivated gardens, flourishing orchards of plum 
and apple, and vast acres of wheat and corn. Here the farmer 
hunted the deer and moose, trapped the fur-bearing ani- 
mals, and fished in the lake, to provide meat and raiment 
for his family ; and here mothers reared their large fami- 
lies and sang quaint French lullabies to their babes. Gaily 
dressed children played about the doorways, and forest and 
meadow rang with the gay laughter of youth. Here the 
people worshiped in their one little church one day in 
seven, nor dreamed that their little colony would have an 
existence of but thirty years when English victories would 
force them back to Canada. 

About the time of the building of tliis fort. Fort St. 
Frederic was built on the opposite side of the lake. This 
was a position of great importance and was afterward 
called Crown Point. 

A French and Indian Village. — At an early day, 
French pioneers were associated with the Indians at Swan- 
ton, where at one time there was a village of about fifty 
huts. The stone church erected there by the French mis- 
sionaries was undoubtedly the first edifice built exclusively 
for religious purposes in the Wilderness. This church was 
still standing in 1 759. The French also erected here a saw- 
mill with a stockade fort to protect it, but this the English 
destro3^ed during the French and Indian War. 

In hisliistory of New Hampshire, Dr. Belknap tells us 
that the Indians in the vicinity of Missisquoi were in the 
habit of tapping the maples in the spring and making 
sugar ; and from Graham's early history of Vermont we 
learn the process : " Large troughs were made out of the 
Pine Tree, sufficient to contain a thousand gallons or up- 
wards ; the young Indians collected the sap into these 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAKS 37 

troughs, the women in the meantime (for the men con- 
sidered everything but war and hunting as beneath their 
dignity) made large fires for heating the stones necessary 
for the process ; when these were fit for their purpose, 
they plunged them into the sap in the troughs, and con- 
tinued the operation till they had boiled the sugar down 
to the consistence they wished." 

From this village frequent raiding parties went out into 
the country around, returning with scalps and prisoners. 

Number One. — About the year 1736, Massachusetts ex- 
tended her grants northward on the Connecticut River. 
One township only was granted west of the river and that 
was to extend from the Equivalent Lands northward to 
Great Falls (Bellows Falls). This at first went by the 
name of Number One, but was afterward called New 
Taunton, because most of its proprietors were from Taun- 
ton, Mass. 

A sawmill was there erected and a few families of set- 
tlers came. A few years afterward, when it had been de- 
cided that this township was within the territory of New 
Hampshire, the Governor of that province regi'anted it, 
changing its name to Westminister. 

Settlement of Boundary-Line between Massachusetts 
and New Hampshire.— A few years after the building of 
Fort Dummer, a dispute arose between Massachusetts and 
New Hampshire concerning the boundary between them. 
The former claimed that her territory extended north 
several miles farther than the present limits of that State, 
her claim extending to a line running through the base of 
Ascutney Mountain. New Hampshire contended that 
Massachusetts was placing the line too far north and was 
taking in territory that rightfully belonged to her, she 



38 VERMONT FOR YOUNO VERMONTERS 

placing the boundary between the two colonies at a line 
which runs through the Black Mountains. 

These overlapping claims caused much contention for 
perhaps the space of ten years ; when, in 1740, the King 
of England ended it by giving New Hampshire even more 
than she had demanded. This took from Massachusetts 
twenty-eight new townships, between the Merrimac and 
Connecticut rivers, besides a large amount of vacant 
lands. 



CHAPTER V 

FORTIFICATION'S STRENGTHENED— KING GEORGE's WAR — 
GRANTS MADE BY GOVERNOR WENTWORTH 

Fort Dummer Strengthened ; other Forts Built on the 
Connecticut. — As the frontier settlements extended north- 
ward on the Connecticut, it became necessary to increase 
and strengthen the defenses. Outside of Fort Dummer 




A stockade fort 

was placed a stockade of posts twenty feet in height, set 
vertically in the ground side by side, and sharpened at the 
upper ends. Openings were left in the pickets through 
which to fire on the enemy. Within were built four prov- 
ince houses, two stories in height, and two or three smaller 
houses. To the cannon already there, were added several 

39 



40 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

swivels with which to receive the enemy. The cannon 
known as the " Great Gun" was fired only to give warning 
of impending danger or to announce some welcome news. 

A fort at Number Four, now Charlestown, N. H., had 
been built on the east side of the river, and was al- 
ready assuming some inqDortance. It was built by Massa- 
chusetts, under the direction of Colonel Stoddard, who 
had also been the builder of Fort Dummer. It was similar 
to Fort Dummer but stockaded only on the north side. 
As Fort Dummer was a serious obstruction to those hostile 
Indians who approached by the Indian road, so Fort 
Number Four was a menace to those coming over the 
French road, or by way of more northern streams. 

The Rev. Ebenezer Hinsdale built a fort on the east 
side of *the river in what is now Hinsdale, N. II., 
and this was called Hinsdale's Fort. Nearly opposite this 
fort, and in Hinsdale, four miles south of Brattleboro, 
Sartwell's Fort was built by Josiah Sartwell ; and half a 
mile to the south, Bridgman's Fort was erected the same 
year by Orlando Bridgman. At the same time a fort was 
built and a settlement started in the " Great Meadow " in 
what is now the town of Putney ; but, on the beginning of 
hostilities, one of their number having been killed and an- 
other taken into captivity, the inhabitants fled for safety 
to Northfield. 

These lesser forts^ Avere merely blockhouses, built of 
hewn logs, and pierced by many loopholes, through which 
to observe and attack the enemy. The upper story usually 
projected over the lower, and underneath the projection 
were other loopholes, so that an attacking party could be 
fired upon from above in case of too close an approach. 

*See map, p. 26. 




THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAKS 41 

These houses would often accommodate several families, 
and were the strongholds to which the whole community 
were expected to flee at the first alarm. In case of an attack, 
the riflemen within kept the savage foe from 
the sides by firing down upon them, while 
their wives, perhaps, run bullets for them 
at the mighty hearth of the huge fireplace. 

Scouting. — During the wars, many ex- 
ploring parties were sent out from the forts 
on the Connecticut to discover the position ^ blockhouse 
and force of the enemy and give warning of 
any threatened danger. It was the duty of the rangers to 
"scour the woods," and it was by no means an easy life. 
Often loaded down with a month's provisions, gun, hatchet 
and blanket, they pursued their course for the most part 
through thickly wooded country, sometimes following the 
waterways, sometimes climbing to the tops of the lofty 
mountains, ''there also to lodge on ye top and view morn- 
ing and evening for smoaks " from the enemy's camp-fires. 
In summer, the ground was their only bed ; the sky above, 
or the sheltering branches of a tree, their only canopy. 

When the rivers and lakes were frozen over, and the 
snow was deepest, the enemy was most to be feared ; and, 
at such time, careful watch was necessary. Then they 
tramped all day on cumbersome snow-shoes, with all their 
senses alert, and with strained ears noting every sound. 
Wherever night found them, they ate their scant rations ; 
and, often with no fire to warm their benumbed bodies, in 
Indian fashion, they wrapped themselves in their blaiikets 
and lay down on their beds of spruce or hemlock, and 
passed the dreary night as best they could, while one of 
their number kept a lonely vigil near by. 



42 VEEMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

The Support of Fort Dummer. — The establishment of 
the bouudary-line between Massachusetts and New Hamp- 
shire brought Fort Dummer within the limits of New 
Hampshire; but the people of Massachusetts continued to 
support it until King George^s War was declared in 1744. 
Then, thinking of the great expense which its mainte- 
nance was likely to be to them, they appealed to the New 
Hampshire government for its support. They argued that 
it was clearly not their duty to provide for a fort no longer 
their own ; and, as it properly belonged to New Hampshire, 
it was plainly her duty to maintain it. Although the king 
recommended to the New Hampshire people to make pro- 
vision for its maintenance, even threatening to restore it 
to Massachusetts should they refuse to comply with his 
request, and Benning Weutwortli, the governor of that 
colony, strongly urged it, the assembly at first flatly re- 
fused to do so, saying that the protection it afforded was of 
much greater benefit to settlers of Massachusetts than to 
those of New Hampshire. 

A second assembly was called which voted a garrison of 
twenty men ; but the allowance made for their suj^port was 
so small that a suspicion prevailed among the Massachu- 
setts people that New Hampshire meant to provide for the 
fort only long enough to obtain full possession of it, and 
then to slight it. As this would greatly endanger her 
frontier, Massachusetts thought it her safest way to retain 
it; and from that time on it was supported by Massachu- 
setts. 

Attacks Made by the Enemy. — During this war, which 
lasted four years, the frontier settlements were constantly 
in danger, and were often surprised by the enemy, with 
disastrous results. It was never safe for the inhabitants 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS 43 

to go far from the forts ; and when they did so venture, 
they were often met by the enemy, and usually loss of life 
or capture was the result. 

In 1746, Bridgman's Fort was attacked by twenty Ind- 
ians, who succeeded in killing two men and taking several 
prisoners, but were at length repulsed. The next year 
they made a second attack, demolishing the fort, killing 
several of its occupants, and taking others into captivity. 

After this disaster, most of the settlers of the other 
forts, being apprehensive of similar attacks, moved their 
families to the larger settlements at the south of them ; 
and it was well that they did so. Not long after the set- 
tlement at Number Four was abandoned by its inhabitants, 
the fort was attacked by 400 French and Indians. A siege 
of three days followed ; and in that time thousands of balls 
were poured upon the fort. The little garrison of but 
thirty men made such a spirited resistance that the enemy 
finally gave up the siege and returned to Canada. Number 
Four had lost not a man; but the loss of the enemy must 
have been considerable. 

Captain Hobbs's Encounter with the Indians. — The 
scouting parties also often met and held encounters with 
the Indians, and many times blood was spilled. Many of 
these encounters were of great interest, perhaps none more 
so than that of Captain Humphrey Hobbs. He had been 
ordered to go with forty men from Number Four to Fort 
Shirley, in the northern part of Massachusetts. The party 
had halted within the limits of what is now the town of 
Marlboro and were eating their dinner, when they were 
surprised by a party of Indians four times outnumbering 
their own, led by a resolute chief named Sackett. Neither 
party had any shelter save that of the trees. A hot 



44 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

skirmish ensued, which lasted four hours, when Sackett, 
finding that his own men were getting the worst of the 
conflict, ordered a retreat. 

Only three of the scouts were killed, but it was im- 
possible to estimate the loss of the enemy. When an 
Indian fell, his nearest comrade, under cover of the trees 
and brush, crept stealthily to his body, attached a line to 
it, and then appeared the ghastly sight of a dead Indian 
gliding from view into some undergrowth, as if spirited 
away by invisible hands. 

Granting of Townships; Settlements Begun. — In the 
few years of peace that followed King George's War, 
Governor Wentvvorth made grants of fifteen townships 
within the present limits of Vermont. The first of these 
was granted in 1749. It was six miles square, and was 
situated six miles north of the Massachusetts line and 
twenty miles east of the Hudson River. It was surveyed 
the same year, but no settlement was made there for more 
than ten years. This was called Bennington in honor of 
Benning Wentworth. 

The fourteen other grants were east of the mountains, 
and comprised the greater part of the present Windham 
County. Settlements were begun, but were of slow growth 
because of the hostility of the Indians and the breaking 
out so soon of the French and Indian War, which drove 
many of the settlers to abandon their homes and seek 
places of greater safety farther from the frontier. Some 
of these charters were forfeited because of the inability of 
the proprietors to clear the required number of acres of 
land and to fulfil otlier conditions of the charters; but 
they were renewed several years after. 

Among the settlements started was that of Bellows 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS 45 

Falls, where, we are told, the first iuhabitants subsisted 
almost entirely on the salmon and shad that came up the 
river to that place in great numbers. A second attempt 
was made to settle Putney, and here a fort was built re- 
sembling that of Dummer, only on a smaller scale ; and 
this was garrisoned by New Hampshire troops until peace 
was restored between the French and English in 1760. 



CHAPTER VI 

THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR — VERMONT AT THE 
CLOSE OF THE LONG CONTEST 

The French and Indian War (1754-1760).— The French 
and Indian War, so called, was the fourth and last war and 
continued for about six years. It consisted of a series of 
English victories. 

The Taking of Fort Bridgman. — In the second year of 
this war a most disastrous affair took place at Bridgman's 
Fort, which had been rebuilt on the site of the original 
fort, was strongly picketed, and was considered to be as 
secure as any stronghold on the river. 

On the day of the disaster all the men of the fort were 
hoeing corn in a meadow near the banks of the river, while 
their wives and children had made themselves secure in 
the fort. Starting for home at sunset, they were attacked 
by about a dozen Indians ; and one of their number, Caleb 
Howe, was killed. 

The Indians then hastened to the fort and rapped at 
the gate, which the women at once opened to them ; for 
they had heard the firing and thought their own men were 
in danger and were rushing in from the field. The fort 
was burned ; and the women and children, numbering 
fourteen in all, were made jDrisoners and at first taken to 
Crown Point. Here they remained about a week, when 
they were taken down the lake in canoes to Canada. 

Mrs. Howe, the wife of Caleb Howe and known in his- 
46 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS 



47 




experience 



Indian mode of 
warfare. 

tory as the "fair 

captive," had a sad 

Her youngest child died 

on the way, and her remaining six 

cliildren were separated from her and 

from each other. Through the intervention of friends, 

she and three of her children were redeemed ; another was 

given to the governor of Canada ; and two daughters were 

placed in a convent. One of these was afterward carried 

to France, where she married a Frenchman ; the other was 

subsecpiently redeemed, Mrs. Howe herself having made 

the journey to Canada to procure her release. 

Taking of Crown Point and Ticonderoga. — Among 

the important English victories were the taking of Crown 

Point and Ticondei-oga, toward the close of this war. 

These were positions of great importance, commanding, 

as they did, the j^assage from Lake Champlain to Lake 

George. 

After abandoning these forts, the French went down 

the lake to Isle aux Noix, which is situated at the north 
5 



48 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

end of the lake and commands the passage into Canada, 
leaving the " Gate of the Conntry " (as the Iroqnois had 
fitly named Lake Champlain) in undis^^uted possession of 
the English peojile. Here they resolved to make a bold 
stund against the English. 

An Expedition against the St. Francis Indians. — Gen- 
eral Amherst, who was now at Crown Point awaiting the 
building of vessels with which to pursue the French, 
determined to take advantage of the delay by sending 
a force to destroy the Indians of St. Francis, who had 
all along made themselves very troublesome to the Eng- 
lish, and had been notorious for their cold-blooded mas- 
sacres. 

Major Robert Rogers, one of the most celebrated of 
rangers, was apj)ointed to the task. With a force com- 
prising 200 men, Rogers proceeded down the lake in 
bateaux in the direction of Canada. On the fifth day 
out the explosion of a keg of gunpowder seriously wounded 
several of his men, whom he was obliged to send with an 
escort back to Crown Point. At Missisquoi Bay he con- 
cealed his boats, laden with provisions ; and, leaving them 
in care of two of his rangers, he advanced with the rest of 
his force into the unbroken forests in the direction of St. 
Francis. Two days later he was overtaken by the men 
left to guard the bateaux, Avho informed him that his boats 
and provisions had been taken by the enemy, a large force 
of whom were even now in pursuit of him. Rogers kept 
this from his men, sending back messengers to Crown 
Point to acquaint Amherst of what had taken place and 
requesting him to send provisions to the Coos country, by 
which route he now knew he must return. 

His only hope now of accomplishing his purpose was to 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS 49 

outmarcli the enemy, and he pushed forward with the 
utmost expedition. Arriving toward evening in sight 
of the vilhige, he allowed his soldiers an opportunity for 
much needed rest, while he himself, in Indian dress, 
went nearer to reoonnoiter. He found the savages en- 
gaged in an Indian dance, rejoicing over a recent vict- 
ory. By four o'clock in the morning the dance was 
ended ; and the Indians were in a deep sleep, worn out by 
their orgies. 

Rogers posted his men in the most favorable situation, 
and at dawn made the assault in Indian fashion, asking no 
mercy and showing none. It is to be deplored that, al- 
though he had been instructed to spare the women and 
children, Rogers allowed his Indians to murder them. 
The determination of the party to wipe out the whole vil- 
lage was greatly increased when dawn revealed several hun- 
dred of the scalps of their countrymen suspended on poles, 
around which the Indians had been dancing. 

Of the 300 inhabitants of the village, 200 were killed 
outright, and twenty more taken prisoners, while Rogers's 
loss was only one killed and six wounded. The St. Francis 
Indians were at this time completely subdued, and they 
never again troubled the English. 

After destroying the village, Rogers and his men at 
once directed their course toward the Connecticut, taking 
with them five English captives, whom they had retaken, 
and as much plunder as they could easily carry. Their 
course lay along tlie St. Francis River, to the east of Lake 
Memphremagog, and thence by the Passumpsic to the Con- 
necticut. The route through the Wilderness was one of 
extreme danger, not only from pursuing Indians, but 
because of the scarcity of food. Several times they were 



50 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

attacked in the rear with the loss of several of their men, 
but at length succeeded in routing the enemy, who then 
gave up the pursuit. 

In the meantime, in accordance with the request made 
of General Amherst, men had been sent from Cliarlestown 
with two canoes loaded witli provisions. According to 
instructions, they were encamped on an island at the 
mouth of the Passumpsic to await Rogers and his party. 
One morning, hearing the firing of guns, and supposing 
that the Indians were in the vicinity, they hastily reloaded 
the provisions and started with great haste for Charles- 
town. Rogers and his men were then but a few miles up 
the Passumpsic. 

Imagine the dismay of the half-starved men, when, a 
few hours later, they reached the place only to find it 
deserted and no succor awaiting them. The fires of the 
relief party were still burning; and, although Rogers fired 
guns to announce his arrival, it only served to frigliten 
the fugitives, and they hurried all the more rapidly away. 
Some of the men were so disheartened that they died 
within twenty-four hours. 

Sorely distressed, Rogers left his worn-out and starv- 
ing men in charge of a lieutenant, whom he taught how to 
prepare ground-ruts and lily roots for food ; with three 
other men, he now started down the Connecticut River on 
a raft, on a final endeavor to save his men by reaching 
Fort Number Four and there obtaining relief for them. 
At White River Falls the raft was wrecked, and they 
were obliged to construct another before going on. This 
lost them considerable time; but they finally reached the 
fort, and Rogers at once sent a canoe laden with supplies 
for the sufferers. From Fort Number Four they returned 



THE FEENCH AND INDIAN WARS 51 

to Crown Point. Eogers had lost, in liis retreat^ from 
one cause and another, nearly fifty men. 

A Military Road.— After Crown Point was taken by 
the English, a military road was begun across the Wilder- 
ness from Crown Point to Charlestown, N. H. Colonel 
Zadoek Hawks and Captain John Stark, with 200 rangers, 
opened the road from Crown Point to Ludlow, following 
the Otter Creek and its largest eastern branch, though 
from the Otter Creek over the mountains to Ludlow the 
road was nothing more than a bridle-path. 

The next year Colonel Goffe and a New Hampshire 
regiment completed the work, starting at Charlestown and 
following the Black Eiver. Their baggage was conveyed 
in wagons to Ludlow, and from this point, where the 
wagon-road ended, on packhorses to Crown Point. 
Closely following the opening of the road, a herd of 
cattle was driven from Charlestown to Crown Point for 
the supply of the army stationed there. 

Vermont at the Close of the Long Contest. — In 1760 
the long contest ended, and France gave up all claims in 
America. On the abandonment of Crown Point and 
Ticonderoga by the French, the French at Chimney Point 
and those at Swanton withdrew to Canada, but the 
Indians in large numbers made the Missisquoi Valley their 
home for many years ; and, indeed, they did so until the 
English came there to settle after the close of the Eevolu- 
tionary War. 

Many of the seignories granted by the French king 
had reverted to the crown because of non-settlement ; but 
some of them were, at the close of the war, still held by 
their proprietors. When the lands of the Champlain 
Valley were surrendered to the English, the proprietors 



52 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

asked that their charters be regranted to them ; but in 
most cases this was refused. 

At the close of the war the few settlers in the south- 
eastern part of the State, with the Indians of Swanton, 
comprised the entire population, probably not amounting 
in all to over three hundred persons. Because of the few- 
ness and unimportance of the settlements at this time, 
it is customary to consider the close of the French and 

Indian wars as the be- 



ginning of settlement 
111 Vermont. 




Loading packhorses. 



TEST. 

1. How many years does the second period cover ? 

2. Give the cause of the so-called French and Indian wars. 

3. Name the four distinct wars. 

4. "What was the present State of Vermont called during this period, 

and for what was it used ? 
5 Trace three important thoroughfares. 
6. When did King William's War break out, and how long did it last ^ 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS 53 

7. Wlien, and for what purpose, was the first English expedition into 

Vermont ? 

8. When did Queen Anne's War break out, and how long did it last ? 

9. Give an account of the attack on Deerfield, and the return to 

Canada. 
10 How many years of peace followed the close of this war ? 

11. What of importance occurred during these years ? 

12. What is meant by the Equivalent Lands ? 

13. Give sometliing of the history of Fort Duramer. 

14. What grants were made by the French ? What settlements ? 

15. What dispute arose between Massachusetts and New Hampshire, 

and how was it settled ? 

16. What other forts besides Fort Dummer were built on the Con- 

necticut ? 

17. Tell what you can of the life of the scout. 

18. When was King George's War declared ? 

19. What dispute arose over the support of Fort Dummer, and how 

was it settled ? 

20. Tell the story of Captain Hobbs's encounter with the Indians. 

21. What townships were granted in the years of peace that followed 

King George's War ? By whom were they granted ? 

22. Wliat was the last of the French and English wars, and when did 

it break out ? 
28. Tell the story of the taking of Fort Bridgman. 

24. What important forts upon the outskirts of "Vermont were taken 

by the English toward the close of this war ? 

25. Tell the story of Rogers's expedition against the St. Francis 

Indians. 

26. Describe the building of a military road across the mountains. 

27. What comprised the population of the State at the close of the 

wars ? 

28. It is customary to consider the settlement of Vermont as beginning 

at what time ? 

29. Where is Winooski River ? White River ? Otter Creek River ? 

Williams River ? Passumpsic River ? West River ? Wells 
River ? 



THIRD PERIOD 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 

(1760-1775) 



CHAPTER VII 

NEW HAMPSHIRE GRANTS — GRANTEES — NEW YORK 
JURISDICTION 

New Hampshire Grants. — The French and Indian War 
for a time put a stop to the granting of townships ; but, on 
the cessation of hostilities, so many persons made applica- 
tion for lands, that Governor Wentworth, in the name of 
the king, began making extensive grants west of the Con- 
necticut, a large part of the land east of that river having 
been alread}^ granted. 

In 1760 he had a survey made sixty miles along the 
Connecticut, and three lines of townships laid out on 
either side of the river. As applications increased, the 
surveys were extended westward beyond the mountains; 
and, by the end of 1763, 138 townships in all had been 
granted west of the Connecticut River. These townships 
covered the better part of the present State, extending 
from the Connecticut River on the east to Lake Cham- 
plain on the west. The territory now began to be known 
as the New Hampshire Grants. 

The king's object in allowing the governors to make 
54 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 55 

such grants was to promote the settlement of the country 
and gain a revenue for the government through a small 
annual rent which was to be exacted. The governors of 
the colonies willingly made these grants, finding abundant 
remuneration in the fees which they obtained for the grant- 
ing of the charters. 

Original Proprietors. — It is interesting to note how our 
Vermont towns came into existence. The original propri- 
etors, usually men residing within the vicinity of each 
other in the older New England settlements, would asso- 
ciate themselves together to the number of about sixty ; 
and, deciding on some situation in the Wilderness which 
they deemed would be acceptable, they would make ap- 
plication to Governor Wentworth to grant them a town- 
ship there. Nothing was to be paid by the proprietors on 
receiving the grants except a compensation to the governor 
for the granting of the charters (usually about 1100) ; and 
this they shared equally, together with the cost of a survey 
and sometimes the expense of opening a road to the grants, 
etc. These men were mainly either speculators or friends 
and followers of Governor Wentworth. Few of them ever 
so much as visited their possessions, but sought purchasers 
iu all the neighboring colonies, where they readily sold to 
tlie large army of home-seekers the lands which they had 
obtained by gift. 

The New Hampshire Charters. — All the town charters 
issued by Benning Wentworth were of much the same 
form. By their provision the towns were laid out as nearly 
six miles square as the natural features would permit. 
Before any division of the land was made, a tract of land, 
as near the middle of the town as possible, was laid out 
in one-acre lots, one of which was to be alloted to each of 



56 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

the grantees. Making allowance for highways and unim- 
provable lands, such as rocks, ponds, rivers, monntains, etc., 
the land was then divided into sixty-odd equal shares. 

Wentworth, according to the custom of other governors 
of that time, reserved 500 acres (regarded as two shares) 



M 1 


1 
Th.' 




is 


. 3i 
CcAcr 




Vf 
JhKrx 


3 TV 




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ITlorn,,^ 








3 


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31 






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ei,a^i.. 


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Wllittm. 


let 


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Original plan of the town of Bennington, 
for himself in each township ; this, with the fees and dona- 
tions attending the business, gave him an opportunity to 
accumulate a large fortune. To encourage ministers of the 
gospel to settle in the new townships, a share was set apart 
in each for the first settled minister, regardless of what 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 57 

persuasion. One share was also set apart for the Church 
of England (the Episcopal Church), and another for the 
spreading of the gospel in foreign lands. Aside from one 
share which was reserved in each township for the benefit 
of schools, the remaining shares went to the grantees. 

In his history of the town of Hartford, Tucker tells us 
the manner in which the shares of that town were assigned. 
The names of proprietors were written on separate slips 
of paper, and the description of lots on other slips. The 
names of proprietors were then put in one receptacle, the 
description of lots in another; then some disinterested 
person drew one slijD of each kind, and the lot drawn with 
any proprietor's name was his property. 

The giant pines of that day were very valuable as masts 
for the king's navy. Some of these were from 150 to 200 
feet in height, and a tree thirty-five inches in diameter 
was valued at $500. The charters required that all white 
and other pine trees fit for masting in the king's navy 
be reserved for that use, and none felled without his 
consent. 

Within the term of five years, every grantee was required 
to cultivate five acres of land for each fifty acres contained 
in his share, and to continue to cultivate them thereafter 
on penalty of having his lands taken from him and re- 
granted to others. For the space of ten years, he was to 
pay a yearly rent of one ear of Indian corn on his town 
lot; and after that time a yearly rent of one shilling for 
each 100 acres he owned. These rents were to be paid on 
Christmas-day. 

The Early Settlers ; Who Were They ?— Soon after the 
French had retreated to Canada, and there was compara- 
tively little danger of hostile incursions, the Wilderness 



58 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

was invaded by a throng of pioneers, who came to clear the 
land and upon it build their homes. These were, for the 
most part, young men witli little money, who had not the 
means to purchase lands in the older settlements where 
the prices were mucli higher. Some (though these were 
in the minority) possessed means, and were either original 
proprietors or those who had purchased from the propri- 
etors vast acres of land, because they foresaw in speculation 
an opportunity to increase largely their fortunes, and were 
willing to bear the privations necessary for that end. 

During the progress of the wars, farmer soldiers, in 
passing through, had noted the fertile lands and recognized 
their possibilities. Rangers, many of whom were hunters 
and trappers, when on their perilous missions, had pene- 
trated the forest wherever led an Indian trail or could be 
paddled the light canoe, and so had come to know what of 
value the forest held for them. Lumbermen had discov- 
ered its wealth of pine, oak, and other trees, and were cast- 
ing greedy eyes upon this longtime hunting-ground and 
highway. Manufacturers and millwrights were not blind 
to the power locked up in the swift-running streams, and 
knew that their hands had the cunning to undo the lock. 

As most of these soldiers were of New England origin, 
it came to pass that the settlers of the Wilderness were 
mainly of the good old Puritan stock, from the older set- 
tlements of Massachusetts and Connecticut, men of strong 
constitutions and industrious habits. 

Rapid Growth of Settlements. — Old war-paths now be- 
came the ways of peace ; and the rapidity with which set- 
tlements sprang into existence was remarkable, considering 
the difficulties which existed in the way of travel. No set- 
tlement was made in Bennington till 1761, though its char- 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 59 

ter was granted twelve years previous to that time ; but so 
rapid was its growth that in 1765 its inhabitants num- 
bered 1,000 ; and it had mills, a church, schools, and a 
militia company. Guilford, settled about the same time, 
soon became the largest town in the State as to numbers, 
and remained so for some years. 

Colonial Charters. — The kings of England, who made 
large grants in this country, must have been densely igno- 
rant of the vast extent of the lands in America, as is shown 
by the charters granted, which were often very vague in 
their phrasing. The charters of Massachusetts and Con- 
necticut gave to these colonies all lands extending west- 
ward to the Pacific Ocean, excepting any lands which 
might come in between that had previously been settled 
by other Christian nations. New York's charter, granted 
in 1614, some years previous to either of these, gave to the 
Dutch all lands lying between the Connecticut River and 
the east shore of Delaware Bay. When, fifty years later. 
New York came into the possession of the English, King 
Charles gave to his brother, the Duke of York, all lands 
included in the early charter. 

But in the meantime settlements had been made in 
both Massachusetts and Connecticut beyond the Connecti- 
cut River on land claimed alike by New York and these 
colonies. The matter had been amicably settled, however ; 
and now for a long time it had been generally understood, 
both in England and America, that the eastern boundary 
of New York was a line twenty miles east of Hudson River 
and running parallel to it. This was plainly shown by 
the records and maps of that time. 

New York Lays Claim to the New Hampshire Grants. — 
No sooner did Lieutenant-Governor Colden, of New York, 



60 VEKMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

learn that Governor Wentwortli was granting townships 
west of the Connecticut, than he began to covet for him- 
self the profits of those lands, and commanded Wentworth 
to desist : and when, after the close of the French and 
Indian War, the granting was renewed with so much vigor, 
Governor Golden sent out a proclamation laying claim for 
New York to all that territory between Lake Chami^lain 
and the Connecticut River. He insisted that Governor 
Wentworth had no right to make such grants, and ordered 
the sheriff of Albany County to report to him the names 
of all persons who, under the government of New Hamp- 
shire, were holding lands west of Connecticut River, that 
they might be dealt with according to law. Wentworth, 
in no way intimidated, kept on making grants, at the same 
time encouraging those who had begun settlements " to 
be industrious in clearing and cultivating their lands." 

To substantiate his claims, Governor Golden produced 
the old charter granted by Charles Second to the Duke of 
York, 100 years before, which gave the Duke all lands in- 
cluded in the old Dutch charter, making the Connecticut 
River the eastern boundary of New Y'^ork. 

New Hampshire's Defense. — New Hampshire refused 
to recognize this claim as valid, it being too remote. More- 
over, Avhen the line was run between New Hampshire and 
Massachusetts, it had been extended west to a line twenty 
miles east of Hudson River and running parallel to it, 
which must, therefore, have been considered at that time 
New Hampshire's western limit. Furthermore the king 
had repeatedly affirmed that Fort Dummer ought to be 
maintained by New Hampshire, as it was stationed upon 
her territory ; and Fort Dummer was well known to be 
situated west of the Connecticut River. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT Gl 

Dispute Settled. — Finally representatives were sent to 
England with a petition to the king, j^urporting to be 
from the settlers, affirming that it would he for their ad- 
vantage to be annexed to New York, and asking that the 
Connecticut River be made the eastern boundary of that 
colony. The settlers subsequently denied having ever 
signed any such paper or having any knowledge of it. 

Acting upon this petition, the king, in 1764, declared 
the eastern boundary of New York to be the west bank of 
the Connecticut River. This decision does not seem to 
have been founded on the ancient charter at all, but on a 
supposed appeal from the grantees themselves. 

Governor Wentworth at first demurred, but at length 
abandoned the contest, recommending to the proprietors 
and settlers due obedience to the new jurisdiction ; but 
certain acts of New York officials now made it impossible 
for the settlers to follow Governor Went worth's sugges- 
tions. The grantees were at once plunged into a long con- 
test, from which they were destined to emerge only after 
many years. Before following them farther in this, per- 
haps it would be well to take a glimpse of the home life 
and customs of the pioneer and his family. It must not 
be understood, however, as being a representation of the 
life peculiar to the people of this period alone, for the 
customs of our early ancestors did not change materially 
for many years ; and such changes as did come were of 
the kind naturally brought about as the result of increased 
prosperity. 



CHAPTER VIII 

HOME LIFE OF THE EARLY SETTLER 

The Pioneer and his Family. — The pioneer did not 
always bring his family with him when he made his first 
journey into the Wilderness. Sometimes he came alone, 
sometimes he was attended by one or two other sturdy 
woodsmen, who had accompanied him hither with an 
object like his own, that of preparing homes for themselves 
and families, or perhaps as hired help to our pioneer. 
They had little equipment save axes, guns, and corn-meal, 
as they paddled their slow-moving boats along the water- 
ways, with now no fear of an ambush, or made their way 
through the unbroken virgin forests, blazing the trees as 
they went. 

The journey ended, the first task was that of clearing 
the land ; and now, perhaps for the first time, the silence 
of the woods was broken with the stroke of the ax, and 
for the first time the Wilderness resounded with the echoes 
of toil. Right speedily a space was cleared, sufficiently 
large for a cabin and the first planting ; and the manner 
of effecting such clearing was most ingenious. Finding a 
number of trees in a line, the pioneer partly chopped each 
one ; then felling a large one at one end, he let this fall 
against the second, which, falling, brought down the third, 
and so on. 

Some of the logs were used in constructing the log 
house, while others were piled up and burned ; and the 

62 



EARLY SETTLEMENT G3 

ashes made a good fertilizer for the hmd, which was soon 
sown with wheat or phinted with corn. When autumn 
came and the crops were safely housed, our pioneer made 
his way to his family, and spent a winter of content and 
comfort, while his little cabin and all it contained slept 
under a coverlet of snow. 

Spring found him returning with his family, his high- 
way sometimes the navigable streams, when he carried his 
family and all his household goods in boats; sometimes the 
dense forests, where his only guide was the white patches 
upon the trees which he had blazed on his first journey 
thither. 

Then came a life of loneliness for himself and family, 
with little to break the silence save the howls of the Avild 
beasts, the singing of birds, and the whistling of the winds 
through the branches of the great trees. The ways of the 
wild animals were as familiar as tiie ways of man ; the 
simple wildwood flowers, reminders of God's goodness, 
though mute, were agreeable companions. 

It was also a life of hardship ; but the noble men and 
women of that day knew they could not succeed without 
industry, and bravely they plied their hands and were in 
the main content ; for their holdings, though isolated, rep- 
resented the home, with its joys as well as its hardships. 

The Log Hut. — Graham describes so well the building 
of the log hut that I quote him in full: "When any 
person fixes upon a settlement in this quarter of the coun- 
try, Avith the assistance of one or two others, he imme- 
diately sets about felling trees proper for the purpose ; 
these are from one to two feet in diameter, and forty feet 
or upwards in length, as best suits the convenience and 

wishes of the builder. 
G 



64 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

" When the branches are lopped off, and a suflScient 
number of logs are prepared, blocks are cut for the cor- 
ners. The largest four of these are placed in a square 
form, upon a solid foundation of stones ; this done, the 
logs are rolled upon the blocks, one above another, imtil 
the square becomes about twenty or twenty-five feet high ; 
the rafters are then made for the roof, which is covered 
with the bark taken off the trees and placed lengthways 
from the ridge, with a jet sufficient to carry off the rain. 
The interstices in tlie body of the hut are filled up with 
mortar, made of wild grass chopped up and mixed with 
clay. When the outside is thus completed one of the cor- 
ners is chosen within where some flat broad stones are 
fixed for the fireplace, with a small opening directly over 
it for the smoke to ascend through, and which also serves 
to give light to the inhabitants. 

''And here large fires of wood are constantly kept 
burning (in winter both day and night) so that scarce any- 
thing can be imagined more comfortable and warm than 
this large apartment ; round the walls and in the corners 
are the beds, and sometimes those of the young men or 
women are elevated on lofts, made of rafters, laid across 
from side to side, with a flooring of bark over them. The 
door is always as nearly opposite the hearth as possible. 

" In this manner is an abode finished, spacious enough 
to accommodate twelve or fifteen persons, and which often 
serves for as many years, till the lands are entirely cleared 
and the settlers become sufficiently opulent to erect better 
houses. Three men will build one of these huts in six 
days." 

In place of the floor of earth, beaten and smoothed 
until it was as level and hard as pavement, some of these 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 65 

huts had what was called a puncheon flooi% made of split 
logs with the plain side up, or what was still better, one of 
rough boards. The board floor, well sprinkled with sand, 
was often marked off in fancy designs ; and one of that 
kind was considered a luxury. 

The chamber above, usually occupied by the younger 
members of tlie family, was not always a warm place to 
sleep in winter, when the snow sifted through the cracks 
upon the sleeping children. Usually a ladder led to this 
loft, but oftentimes the children clambered up to it on 
wooden pegs inserted in the logs. 

There was little furniture at first. Blocks of wood 
answered for chairs, and often a split log, with holes bored 
at the corners on the rounded side and sticks driven in for 
legs, was the only table. A family at Newbury showed 
their foresight by building their cabin over a flat stump 
and using the stump for a table. 

The coming of the sawmills brought the more commo- 
dious frame houses with their large chimneys, multitudi- 
nous fireplaces, and brick ovens, to those who were thrifty. 

The Fireplace. — The enormous firejjlace consumed great 
quantities of fuel, and the preparing and bringing in of 
this was the Avork of the boys. The foundation for a 
fire was a back-log, sometimes six feet long and so heavy 
that the boys often harnessed themselves to it, and, by all 
pulling together, managed to haul it into the house and 
lodge it at the back of the fireplace. In front of this was 
placed a fore-log, considerably smaller, both lying on the 
ashes ; and on them lay the top-stick. These were usually 
of green wood and would last several days. In front of this 
pile and upon the andirons, was a fore-stick, around which 
was heaped a stack of split wood, chips, etc. The fire was 



66 VERMONT FOR YOUNG YERMONTERS 

then ready to liglit ; and, to acconij^lisli this, a piece of steel 
was strnck sharply against a bit of flint, producing sparks, 
which were caught upon some inflammable substance (some- 
times flax soaked in the balsam of pitch-pine, sometimes 




An old fireplace. 

punk gathered from decayed logs) and then coaxed into a 
flame by gently blowing upon them. 

The Are thus made was supposed to keep ; and, with 
this end in view, the good man of the house buried each 
night a hardwood brand in the ashes. Sometimes, how- 
ever, the live coal failed to be a reality in the morning ; 
and, this being the case, the boys were sent to a neighbor's 
with a fire-pan to "borrow coals "or with a tin lantern 
with a candle for a light. In case there were no neighbors 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 



67 




Borrowiiiir coals. 



within easy disttmce, the hiborious method of steel and 
tiint for producing a flame must again be resorted to. 

As the thick-set forests thinned under the ruthless ax 
of the settler, the fireplaces shrank in size, and fires were 
more sim^ily built, the 
back - log and fore - stick 
only, sufficing for a foun- 
dation ; and this is the fire- 
j)hice of wliich aged people 
sjieak to-day as the fireplace 
of their fathers. 

Foods, and how they 
were Cooked. — The same 
maize whicli had for ages 
satisfied the hunger of the 
Indian, now yielded nour- 
ishment to his successor, the ^^hite man. Hunting and 
fishing were as profitable as in the days when the savage 
occupied the land ; and many a farmer materially added to 
his larder by their means, employing in winter the cold- 
storage plan of his predecessor, the Indian, that of packing 
meat in snow until it was needed for use. 

Over or before the coals of the fireplace the good house- 
wife did much of her cooking. At first a wooden bar was 
placed across the chimney high enough to be free from 
the danger of burning, and the pots and kettles were sus- 
pended from it. Tliis was soon superseded by the iron 
crane, placed at the side of the fireplace and fastened on 
liinges so that the pots and kettles could be swung off and 
on the blaze at pleasure. 

Potatoes, squashes, turnips, beans, peas, and other foods 
were boiled in the pots ; and meats were cooked in the 



68 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VEKMONTERS 

same way, or else fried in a spider over the coals, or roasted 
on sjiits before the fire. The spit was a long iron rod with 
a crank at one end, and this was made to rest on hooks 
placed on the andirons. By means of the crank, great 
joints of meat were turned upon the spit, until they be- 
came sufficiently cooked upon all sides. 

Many things were made of the coarse Indian meal. 
The journey (or Johnny) cake of the white man succeeded 
the no-cake of tiie Indian, and was similar to it. This was 
often baked on slabs tilted up before the glowing coals. 
Hominy or hasty pudding and milk often formed the 
supper. 

Bean porridge was also a favorite dish for the same 
meal, and was made by boiling beans in the liquid in which 
corned beef had been boiled. When the good man was 
obliged to take a journey in winter he often carried with' 
him a frozen cake of this porridge, and Avlien hungry 
thawed pieces of it for his luncheon. This was thought by 
some to improve with age. In view of this fact, it is easy 
to believe that the simple game of " bean porridge" was j^er- 
haps, after all, soul-inspired, and that its singsong accom- 
paniment of: 

Bean porridge hot, 

Bean porridge cold, 

Bean porridge best 

When it's nine days old, 

had a significance to the boys and girls of " ye olden time," 
which added a zest to its performance. 

Close by the kitchen fireplace and a part of the enor- 
mous chimney-stack was the stone or brick oven used on 
baking days, usually once a week in winter and twice in 
summer. AVood especially prepared for the purpose was 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 



69 



used for heating this oven, and sometimes hot coals were 
put in from the fireplace. When the oven became thor- 
oughly heated, which often took two or three hours, the 
fire was raked out ; and an oven thus heated would retain 
its heat for some time. Then pies, puddings, beans, brown 
bread, and other foods were placed within ; and a door, 
oftentimes of wood, was placed at the opening and kept 
there till the food was cooked. The food was put in and 
taken out by means of a long-handled shovel. 

Once a year, at Thanksgiving time, mince-pies were 
baked in this oven. Pumpkins were often baked whole, 
after cutting a round hole in the top and removing the 
seeds. The pulp thus baked and eaten with milk was a 
delicacy; and the hard shell of the pumpkin sometim-es 
served as a work-basket for the 
thrifty and economical housewife. 

In addition to the brick oven, 
the Dutch oven was very commonly 
used. This was a shallow pan with 
a tightly fitting cover. Bread or 
biscuit was placed within, and the 
pan was buried in hot ashes and 
heaped over with glowing coals. 

Tableware. — The home - made 
tables were set with wooden and 
pewter dishes. On a set of shelves 
called a dresser the pewter ware of 
that day was prominently displayed. Every good house- 
keeper took great pride in keeping both this and her cop- 
per ware scoured to a remarkable brilliancy. Plates, mugs, 
platters, ladles, and spoons, made of this material, were 
very clumsy, and so soft that the spoons and ladles were 




Bake kettle, or Dutch 
oven. 



70 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

often broken. "When such was the case, they were laid 
aside until the coming of the traveling workman, with his 
spoon and ladle molds, who melted and run into the molds 
the worn-out articles that soon came forth as good as 
new. 

Clothing. — The earliest settlers were clad wholly in 
homespun. John L. Ileaton in The Story of Vermont, 
names the first half century after the settlement of Ver- 
mont as the "homespun age." Truly the people of that 
time were a self-reliant people, and had little for their 




A hand loom. 

comfort save what was fashioned by tlicir own hands, and 
from such material as their farms produced. 

Every farmer raised his own sheep, thus furnishing the 
wool from which the winter clothing was nuide. lie also 
raised his own flax, which furnished the fiber from which 
the women of the household fashioned the neat linen 
checks for dresses, aprons, and the like, the fine linen, 
the table-cloths and bedspreads with their intricate pat- 
terns, and the coarser tow for other purposes. 

In every home might be seen the great wheel for 
spinning the woolen thread, the little wheel for the linen ; 
and in every kitchen stood a dye tub, in which the thread 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 



71 




A wool wheel. 



or cloth was colored, the colors most commonly used being 
blue and copperas. 

The methods used by our ancestors in the preparing of 
flax for the loom are interesting. The seeds were sown in 
the spring and the plants pulled 
in autumn. After the seeds were 
threshed out, the flax was placed 
out of doors and exposed to the 
weather, until the woody part 
became tender enough to be sepa- 
rated easily from the fibers. After 
drying, the woody part was re- 
moved by a process called "break- 
ing." Then tlic flax was pounded 
with a heavy wooden knife called 
a "swingle," which separated the 
fine fibers from the coarse tow. It was then drawn over an 
iron-toothed comb called a " hatchel," which drew out the 
imperfect fibers ; and it was then ready for the distaff and 
the spinning-wheel. 

At a later date the best dresses were made of calico, per- 
haps obtained at the country stoi'c in exchange for woolen 
cloth, stockings, or mittens, made by the busy housewife. 

To the nearest tannery the farmer carried the skins of 
animals raised on the farm, and had them tanned into 
leather. From these skins the yearly supply of footwear 
for the family was fashioned by the traveling cobbler, who 
was considered indispensable in those days, and who in the 
less busy seasons left his farm and Avent from house to 
house, where he plied his craft, acting as ''surgeon to old 
shoes" or making new ones, as the family demanded. If 
he had not a last of suitable size, there was the woodpile 



73 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

close by, and a block from that could quickly be fashioned 
into one. 

Changing the shoe from foot to foot on alternate days 
kept it from running over at the heel and brought an 
equal wear upon both sides, a custom which was thought 
to increase its longevity. Men sometimes wore moccasins 
made of the untanned skins, and both men and children 
often went barefoot in summer. 

An Evening in the Home. — Around the glowing hearth 
all the family were clustered of an evening. All were busy 
at something, for idleness with our forefathers was a crime. 
The dear old grandmother, with placid face, sat and knit, 
while with one foot she gently rocked the cradle at her 
side. The mother plied her hands at spinning tow, while 
her elder daughter spun flax on a small wheel, the while 
the younger children filled quills for the morrow's weaving, 
or, huddled in the chimney-seat, conned their next day's 
spelling lessons, or popped corn on a hot shovel. 

The men at the same time were whittling out wooden 
shovels, oxbows, ax helves, swingles, pokes for unruly oxen, 
and other useful articles, the grandfather working withtliem 
and from time to time breaking forth in an oft-told tale of 
Indian warfare, to which the children listened with eager 
interest, perhaps to the detriment of the next day's spelling 
lessons. One shelled corn, while another, with a pestle, 
pounded it into coarse meal in the great wooden mortar. 

The only illumination was that of the fireplace. The 
red light from the pine knots on the hearth, augmented 
by the handfuls of hickory shavings which the men from 
time to time threw on, sent aglow over all, lighting up the 
twisted rings of pumpkins and festoons of apples suspended 
from the poles above, drying for the next summer's use. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 73 

When the chihlren's bedtime came, they lighted, some- 
times a piece of rush soaked in grease and stuck in a piece 
of wood or half potato, sometimes their tallow dips, to whose 
manufacture one day in the year was devoted, and reluc- 




Spinning flax. 

tantly left the cozy hearth and went to their cold beds, 
wondering why they should be sent to bed tlius early, and 
thinking how happy they would be when the time for their 
retiring should be a matter of their choice alone. 



CHAPTER IX 



SCHOOLS — CHURCHES — OCCUPATIONS — RECREATIOXS 

The Early School. — Though })oor and few in number, 
the early settlers neglected not the worship of God nor the 
education of their children, realizing that without A'irtue 
and education there is no true success. Both schools and 
churches were established almost as soon as settlement 
began. 




The little red schoolliouse 

The first schoolhonses, like the dwelling-houses, were 
built of logs ; but their interiors were even more crude 
than those of the houses. Rough boards laid upon blocks 
of wood, or upon legs driven into auger-holes in the 
floor, were the seats ; and the desks, if there were any, 
were fashioned in like manner. "With the coming of the 

74 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 75 

frame houses, came also the " little red schoolhouse" with 
its clumsy, uupainted desks and meager furnishings. 

Families were large in the early days, and the schools 
correspondingly so. In one district in the town of Claren- 
don, in 1797, ninety-nine children were in attendance, 
coming fi-om only eight families, making an average of 
about twelve from a family. 

Many of the children waded miles through the snow to 
attend the winter term, uidess they were fortunate enougli 
to find places near the schoolhouse, where they might work 
for their board by doing chores during the cold winter days. 
The schoolmaster usually boarded around, and so had to 
take his turn in plodding long distances with the pupils. 

The teacher's pay was not high, and he was not always 
paid in money. One schoolmaster (and farmer as well) 
was paid in work. While he was teaching the children to 
read, write, and calculate, their fathers were industriously 
clearing his land, sowing his seed, or harvesting his crojis. 
In Windham, a schoolmistress was paid fifty cents a week 
in salts, butter, wheat, rye, or corn, according to her need 
or the convenience of her debtors. 

In 23oint of equipment the requirements for entering 
the profession were not high. In Newbury a young 
woman taught the summer term who luid never attended 
school but one half day herself. She was not incompetent, 
however, having learned through her own efforts to read 
and write. She also knew a little something of the 
science of numbers, and, so far as we know^, taught a suc- 
cessful term. As tliere was no mirror at her boarding- 
place, it was her custom of mornings to go down to a river, 
step into a boat, and look over its side, to see, in the 
reflection, whether her toilet were properly made. 



70 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 




School then kept six clays in a week ; and there were 
two terms, a summer and a winter. Few branches were 
taught. Reading, writing, and arithmetic to the rule of 

three, or proportion, was 
the course of study ; the 
girls, however, were some- 
times given plain sewing 
as an extra. 

The Meeting-House. — 
The meeting-houses were 
usually large, barnlike 
structures, without stee- 
ple or chimney, with high 
square boxes for pews, and 
a high pulpit approached 
by steep narrow stairs. 
The pulpit was often over- 
shadowed by an umbrella- 
shaped sounding-board, hung by a rod from the ceiling, 
from which words of wisdom and eloquence often rever- 
berated. The far-reaching notes of the conch-shell often 
summoned the peojile to meeting as well as to meals. 

Vehicles were few ; and the good people did not think 
it beneath their dignity to go to meeting in ox-carts, or on 
sleds generously cushioned with fur robes. Sometimes the 
husband and wife went on horseback, the wife seated be- 
hind her husband on a cushion, called a pillion, while the 
children trudged across lots on foot. In summer, boys 
and girls often walked to and from church barefooted, 
carrying their shoes and stockings, which they drew on 
before entering the house. 

For years churches were unprovided with any means 



Sounding-board, Union Church, 
Strafford. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 



77 



for warming, and people sat and shivered in their thick 
garments all tlirough the two hours' sermon. Sometimes 
the women brought small foot-stoves of perforated sheet- 
iron, in which were placed pans of glowing coals. 

A tithing-man, whose duty it Avas to enforce the observ- 
ance of the Sabbath and preserve order at public worship, 
sat in church each Sunday with his long staff, which he 
used, as occasion required, to punch the nodding ones 




Old Dothan Church at Hartford, Vt. 



and rap the prank-loving boy, oftentimes not overgently. 
The boy who was caught playing during the sermon was 
frequently walked up to a front seat by this same officer. 

If any one in the society was ill, the minister notified 
the congregation, and members of the society took turns 
watching with the sick one ; if the goodman himself was 
so afflicted, his neighbors turned in and did his work for 
him. 



78 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

Grist and Saw Mills ; Tanneries. — To induce the build- 
ing of saw and grist mills, bounties of $40 were frequently 
offered to settlers ; and sometimes valuable lots of land 
were also offered to any person who would build such 
mills within the limits of the town. These offers were 
readily accepted, enticing many settlers from the older prov- 
inces ; and mills multiplied with considei'able ra))idity. 




S(iu:ue liox-pevvs of an old eliurcli in RocUinghani. 

It was no uncommon thing, however, for some of the 
first settlers to be obliged to travel twenty-five, and some- 
times a greater nnmber of miles to reach the nearest grist- 
mill. 

Sometimes in winter they made these journeys on foot, 
dragffinor their corn on hand-sleds, along the frozen 
streams as much of the way as possible. AVhen the corn 
was ground they returned by the same route, often stop- 



EARLY SETTLEMENT '?9 

ping, when hungry, to build a fire of twigs and bake for 
themselves, in Indian style, the no-cake, made of some of 
the meal and baked on a wooden slab before the fire. 

The early settlers often made use of the plumping mill, 
as well, a rude device, which was made by burning a large 
cavity in the top of a stump, into which the grain was put 
and then ground by means of a large pestle suspended 
from a spring pole. 

One of the processes used in tanning hides to change 
them to leather consists in soaking the hides in water in 
which hemlock bark has been steeped. As hemlock-trees 
were numerous in the grants, many tanneries sprang up 
and continued to flourish as long as the trees were abun- 
dant. 

Maple-Sugar Making. — Like the Indian, from whom 
they learned the art of sugar-making, the early settlers 
tapped the maple-trees in spring, at first by cutting gashes 
with their axes, and later by the means of gouges. Be- 
low were inserted wooden spouts of sumac stems, through 
which the sap flowed to be caught in the wooden trough 
below. The sap was then gathered in buckets, aiul borne 
on neck-yokes to the camp, where it was placed in a store- 
trough, not greatly differing from that used by the Indian. 
From this it was dipped into a huge kettle suspended over 
an open fire, where it was boiled into sirup. 

An open shanty, facing the fire, sheltered tlie sugar- 
makers from the weather, and the boiling of the sap was 
kept up day and night during the sugar season. This was 
an eventful time for the young people, who were invited 
from camp to camp for the sugaring off ; and you may be 
sure they romped gaily and ate heartily of the sugar on 
snow pieced out by the plain doughnuts and pickles which 



80 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

they had brought with them. Maple sugar was the only 
sweetening used by most families in those days. 

The Making of Potash. — The making of potash, or 
salts, was a prominent industry for many years. Almost 
every one engaged in it more or less extensively. To make 
the land serviceable for cultivation, it must be cleared of 
trees. For this reason large patches of forest were felled ; 
the logs were then thrown up in piles, and, when suffi- 
ciently dry, burned. 

The ashes were then placed in leaches, and water was 
poured upon them. The water, trickling through the 
ashes, formed lye, which was boiled down in the same 
great kettle in which the sugar had been made ; and the 
dark, thick mass was then called potash, because the lye of 
ashes was boiled in a pot. 

In a majority of the settlements asheries soon came 
into existence, and to these many of the settlers carried 
their ashes instead of making their potash at home. These 
were rude wooden structures, some of them called jjotash, 
and others pearlash works. 

At the potash might be seen the huge leaches and the 
cauldron kettles employed in the making of potash ; at the 
pearlash were immense ovens in which the potash was 
baked. "When it was of the right consistency it was 
stirred, and thus broken into lumps ; it was then of a 
pearly white color — hence the name, pearlash. These 
products might be, and often were, used by the women of 
that day in place of soda. 

Game. — Hunting, fishing, and trapping were sources of 
profit ; and by their pursuit, many a goodman added both 
to his means and to his comfort. The report of the rifle, 
instead of being a cause for alarm, was now a pretty sure 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 81 

premonition of a repast. The moose was a prize much 
sought. He was sometimes trapped, and men sometimes 
hunted him on snowshoes ; but when he was once cap- 
tured, there were plenty and good cheer for a long time. 
The salmon was also much prized as a food ; and in those 
tlays it was considered great sport to spear those unsuspect- 
ing fish as they were attempting to leaj) over falls. The 
flesh of the deer, bear, and wild fowl were, by no means, 
unpalatable to the early settler, and disappeared like magic 
before the keen appetites of his growing children. 

Upon the banks of the Otter Creek lived a great army 
of otters, who constantly explored the river in search of 
fish, water-rats, frogs, etc. When these were not to be 
had they lived upon the bark or tender shoots of the 
young trees bordering the banks of the stream. These 
animals were five or six feet in length, black in color, and 
much sought after by hunters for their fur. Other ani- 
mals valued for their skins were the bear, beaver, mink, 
and musk-rat. Some of the skins the hunter sold, and 
others were made into coats, caps, and robes for the use of 
himself and family. 

The wild animals, though valuable for their flesh and 
fur, were sometimes very troublesome. The sheep had to 
be " yarded " every night to keep them from being killed 
by the wolves, who were a constant menace to them, and 
sometimes took human life also. Bruin was very fond of 
fresh pork, and often visited the pig-pen to obtain it ; 
green corn was as delicious to his taste as it was to that of 
the Lidian or the early white settler, and be was not at all 
bashful about helping himself. He often paid dearly for 
his thefts, however, by being compelled to surrender to 
the farmer his flesh and fur. 



83 VERMOXT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

Beaver Villages. — As one travels swiftly by tniin over 
the desert plains of some of our Western States, his atten- 
tion is called to the prairie-dog villages, which now and 
then appear for an instant, bits of animation, to vary the 
usually lifeless aspect of the scenery. 

AVhile riding with my father a short time since in a 




A beaver dam. 



Vermont town, he called my attention to what he called a 
beaver meadow, where some men were harvesting a heavy 
crop of hay. This was the ruins of a village quite as inter- 
esting as that of the prairie-dog, the beaver village, many 
of which once existed in Vermont. Graham s'lyei us an 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 83 

interesting account of the builders and architects of these 
little commonwealths, and from him I have gleaned the 
following : 

The beavers which he describes were from three to four 
feet in length, and weighed from forty to sixty pounds. 
The toes of the fore-feet were separated, answering the pur- 
})ose of hands and fingers ; and the hind-feet webbed, and 
thus suited to the purpose of swimming. These animals 
were brown in color. The fur upon their backs was coarse 
and long, but on other parts of the body fine and thick 
like down and as soft as silk, and much prized by fur 
dealers. 

When the young beavers were seeking for homes, their 
first care was to find a place suitable for their purpose. If 
the site were a lake or pond, they were careful to select 
one where they were not likely to be disturbed, and where 
the water was of sufficient dejitli to give them room t*' 
swim under the ice. If a stream were chosen, it was al- 
ways one that could be formed into a pond. 

In the building of their villages the beavers showed 
much ingenuity and intelligence. In case a stream were 
chosen, they first set about constructing a dam. If there 
were a tree at hand that would naturally fall across the 
stream, they set to work with their sharp strong teeth to 
cut it down ; and when it had fallen, so that it would 
assume a level jiosition, gnawed oif the branches. Then 
by the means of branches, earth, and the like, they filled 
in until a dam Avas completed, as firm and secure as if 
made by master Avorkmen, as indeed it was. These dams 
were often of great size and strength, and the ponds thus 
made often covered several acres. 

Then there were the homes to be built alonsf the bor- 



84 VEEMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMONTEES 

ders of the pond. These were made of twigs and earth, 
were oval in form (somewhat resembling a haystack), from 
two to four stories in height, and varied in their diameter 
from four to ten feet, according to the number of families 
tliey were intended to accommodate. Passages led from 
one floor to another ; and the lower floor was always built 
above the level of high water. Each hut had two exits, 
one upon land, and the other under water below the freez- 
ing limit, the latter to preserve their communication with 
the pond throughout the winter season. In these cabins 
the beavers remained through the long winter, living upon 
bark and tender twigs, which they had laid by for the 
winter. 

These little creatures always lived in perfect harmony 
with each other ; each knew his own home and storehouse, 
and was never known to pilfer the goods of his neighbors. 
Such was the beaver of that day, and such no doubt he is 
to-day wherever he may be found. 

Recreations. — The old-fashioned custom of making 
"bees" was a happy combination of work and pleasure; 
and because of the merry-making it afforded, was kept up 
long after its necessity and helpfulness had ceased. It 
grew out of a generous desire on the part of the settlers 
to help out friends and neighbors whenever extra hands 
were needed or when any great work was going on. 

There were logging bees whenever logs were to be 
piled in a new clearing ; raising bees, whenever the frame- 
work of a house or barn was to go up ; and in the autumn, 
when the corn was ready to be husked, husking bees, in 
which men and women, boys and girls took part. This 
was often followed by a dance on the barn floor, after the 
husks had been cleared away. At this, the workers were 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 85 

invariably regaled with doughnuts, pumpkin pies, and 
cider. When the apples began to rot in the cellar came 
the paring bee, when young and old lent a hand at par- 
ing, coring, and stringing the apples for drying. This 
bee usually wound up in romping games or a dance, en- 
joyed alike by the young and the more frolicsome of their 
elders. The most popular bee with the matrons of that 
day was the quilting bee. Here many a worthy Vermont 
dame displayed her fine and even stitching upon the 
pieced-up bed-coverings, of varied patterns, which were 
stretched upon four poles and rolled inward as the work 
progressed. 



CHAPTER X 

THE GRANTS UNDER NEW YORK CONTROL — THEIR DIS- 
CONTENT — PATENTS — PATENTEES 

The Change of Jurisdiction, and how it affected the 
Settlers. — The royiil decree which placed the Ncav Hamp- 
shire Grants under the government of New York some- 
what surprised and did not altogether please a majority of 
the settlers, but caused them no uneasiness ; for, since the 
territory had originally belonged to the king, and they had 
obtained their grants tlirough one of his servants and by 
his consent, tliey did not doubt that their titles would be 
confirmed to them, and that they would go on improving 
their lands and enjoying their homes as heretofore, only 
under another of his Majesty's governments. 

On the contrary, they were at once treated as trespass- 
ers by the New York oflicials, and required to surrender 
their charters and repurchase new ones from the New 
York governor, who claimed that the territory of the New 
Hampshire Grants had always belonged to New York, and 
that, therefore, the charters granted by Governor Went- 
worth were null and void. Some complied with this un- 
just demand, but a majority of them refused so to do. 
Adding insult to injury, the New York governors exacted 
fees twenty times greater than had Governor Wentworth, 
the cost of a charter thus being 12,000 or more. 

The lands of those who refused to I'epurchase them 
were granted to others, and actions of ejectment were 

86 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 87 

brought against the settlers and proprietors. The settlers 
were, in general, people of moderate circumstances, many 
of them having expended the whole of their limited 
fortunes in purchasing and improving their lands, and so 
were absolutely unable to meet this demand. 

The entire grants were at first treated as a part of 
Albany County, of which Albany was the county seat ; 
and actions of ejectment tried in that court were always in 
favor of the New York claimants. 

An Appeal to the Crown. — Finding that they had 
nothing favorable to hope for in the courts, the settlers 
called a convention of the inhabitants on the west side of 
the mountains, who appointed Samuel Robinson, of Ben- 
nington, as their agent to go to England and represent 
their grievances to the English Government, and if possi- 
ble to obtain a confirmation of their charters. Robinson 
never returned to this country, being, while in England, 
smitten with smallpox, of which he died ; but he was 
successful in obtaining a special order from the king pro- 
hibiting the Governor of New York from making any 
further grants whatever of any part of the lands in dis- 
pute, or molesting any one in possession of lands under 
New Hampshire grants until authorized by him to do so. 

New York Patents and Patentees. — Notwithstanding 
the king's command, the New York governors for several 
years continued to make wholesale grants. They granted 
not only that territory between Lake Champlain and the 
Connecticut River which had not previously been granted 
by Governor Wentworth, but also those shares which had 
been reserved for Governor AYentworth in the different 
townships, and the lands of those who, possessing them 
under New Hampshire authority, had refused to repur- 



88 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

chase them. These grants were for a time confined mostly 
to the west side of the mountains, that portion being 
nearer New York and easier of access to the New Y^'ork 
people. 

The New York grants were not usually made to a large 
number and in townshij)s, but to individuals in " pitches," 
so called, some of which were of vast extent. One tract, 
claimed by a New York party of four, extended twelve 
miles along the Battenkill, with an average width of three 
miles, including some of the most fertile portions of the 
present towns of Arlington, Manchester, and Dorset. 
Extensive grants were made to reduced oflficers who had 
served in the French and Indian War ; and these were 
bestowed upon the officers in proportion to their rank. 
For example, a field officer was entitled to 5,000 acres, a 
captain to 3,000, and so on. 

Far the greater number of New York patentees were 
" land jobbers," who had no intention of occupying their 
grants, but had obtained them for the purpose of dispos- 
ing of them at a profit, or, perhajjs, in a few instances, of 
letting them out to tenants. 

New York divides the Grants into Counties.— In a 
few years' time New York had divided the grants into 
counties. The limits of these counties were not in those . 
days very closely defined ; but Cumberland, the first to be 
created, included practically the present counties of Wind- 
ham and Windsor. Chester was for four or five years the 
shire town of this county, and the county seat was then 
changed to Westminster, where a court-house and jail was 
built. 

This building was in shape almost square, with a gam- 
brel roof surmounted by a cupola. A hall ten or twelve 




First political di\"i.sion.s oi Veinioiit. 

89 



90 VERMONT FUR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

feet in width, with exits at both ends, ran the whole length, 
east and west, through the middle of the lower story. On 
tlie north side of this hall was the jail, comprising two 
prison rooms separated by a narrow passage which opened 
into the large hall. On the south side were the cook-room, 
occupied by the janitor, and a bar-room in which he also 
served as bartender. A flight of stairs led from the east 
entrance to the large court-room above, which was never 







Court-house and jail at Westminster. 

finished inside, its beams and braces remaining rough and 
bare. 

North of Cumberland County and reaching to Canada 
was Gloucester County. Kingsland, now Washington, was 
at first the shire town, though it had at that time almost 
no inhabitants, and the log house, which served as a court- 
house, Avas far in the depths of tlie wilderness. Lost in 
the woods and unable to find the court-house, the officers 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 91 

of the court performed the business of one session under 
the open sky, standing upon their snowslioes. The 
county seat was afterward changed to Newbury. 

North from Arlington and extending both sides of the 
lake was Charlotte County ; its shire town was Skenesboro, 
now Whitehall. There seems to have been but little need 
of forming this county, for almost its only inhabitants 
were a few Indians and an occasional Frenchman. 

That portion of the grants south of this county was 
still retained as a part of Albany County. 

Resistance of Grantees. — Notwithstanding the decree 
of the king, the efforts of the New York claimants to get 
possession of the lands went on. Ethan Allen, appearing 
in the grants about this time, took upon his shoulders the 
defense of the grantees. Procuring an eminent lawyer 
from Connecticut, his old home, the two appeared before 
the court at Albany in defense of a settler against whom 
suit had been bi'ought by a New York claimant. This 
suit and two that followed were decided against the gran- 
tees, although they produced as evidence in their favor the 
town charters and the deeds of their lands. When the 
news of this reached the grants, it produced great excite- 
ment and indignation. The settlers assembled in conven- 
tion at Bennington, and there resolved to support both 
their rights and property by force, as law and justice were 
denied them. 

Although the New York claimants found it an easy 
matter to attain judgments in their favor in the courts of 
Albany, it was not so easy to carry them into execution. 
Militia companies were formed in several of the towns ; 
and whenever sheriffs appeared upon the grants for the pur- 
pose of ejecting settlers, they were prom})t]y met by forces 



02 VERMONT FOE YOUXG A^ERMOXTERS 

gathered to resist them ; whenever surveyors attempted to 
run lines across lands already granted to settlers, they were 
prevented ; and whenever, under grants made by Xew York, 
settlements were made on disputed lands, the intruders 
were driven away and their houses torn down and burned ; 
when, in consequence of such acts, several of the inhabi- 
tants were indicted as rioters and officers sent to arrest 
them, said officers were seized by the people "and severely 
chastized with twigs of the wilderness." 

An Attempt to Eject James Breckenridge of Benning- 
ton. — Sheriff Ten Eyck with a posse of 75U armed militia 
came to Bennington in 1771, for the purpose of driving 
James Breckenridge from a farm which he had refused 
to give up or repurchase. Learning of his coming, 300 
armed settlers posted themselves in and around the house 
to ojipose him. A small number were placed within, who 
were to make known any attempt on the part of the sheriff 
to force the door, by raising a red flag at the top of the 
chimney. The remaining force was made into two di- 
visions, one of which was stationed in hiding behind trees 
near the road by which the sheriff was advancing ; the 
other was concealed behind a ridge of land on the opposite 
side of the road. 

Unsuspicious of danger, the invaders walked into this 
trap. The sheriff demanded entrance, but was refused ; 
and on threatening to force the door received the answer 
from wathin, "Attempt it and you are a dead man." At 
the given signal the settlers displayed their hats upon tlie 
muzzles of their guns, which made it appear that their 
number was twice as great as it really Avas. All things 
considered, the sheriff thought best not to attempt it, and 
hastily withdrew with his men. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 93 

Attempts to gain Favor with the Settlers. — The militia 
of Albany County were largely in sympathy with the set- 
tlers ; and when called out by the slierifp, they showed 
little disposition to run any great risk to themselves in 
support of a few New -York speculators, the Justice of 
whose cause was at least very doubtful. 

Finding that very little dependence could be placed on 
their militia, the New York authorities now tried to gain 
favor with the settlers by bestowing titles and oiRces upon 
their prominent men. They also tried to induce people 
from New Y'ork to settle upon unoccupied New Hampshire 
grants, in hopes of bringing the settlers to a change of 
sentiment through these more peaceable methods. 



CHAPTER XI 

ACTS OF THE COMMITTEES OF SAFETY AND OF THE 
GKEEX MOUNTAIN BOYS 

Committees of Safety ; the Green Mountain Boys. — 

From the first eaeli township constituted ;i coninioiiwealth, 
its cliief antliority the selectmen, and each inliabitant a 
voter. But the time had come when united action seemed 
a necessity in order to render their resistance to New 
York authority more effectual. Several of the towns 
organized Committees of Safety ; and these would often 
meet in general convention to discuss and adopt measures 
for the common good and to make laws necessary for the 
common protection. At one of these conventions it was 
decreed that no New York officer should take any person 
out of the district without the consent of the Committee of 
Safety, and that no survey should be made or settlement 
be begun under the authority of Xew York. 

The Committee of Safety constituted themselves and 
some of the elders of the people, a court, and took upon 
themselves the responsibility of punishing offenders. To 
carry out these decrees and to be in readiness for any 
emergency, a military association was formed, of which 
Ethan Allen was made colonel, and Seth Warner, Remem- 
ber Baker, Robert Cochran, Gideon Warner and others, 
captains. The Governor of New York at one time threat- 
ened to drive rebellious settlers into the Green Mountains ; 

94 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 



95 



and from tliis circuiiistance they took tlie name of *' Green 
Mountain Boys." 

It was the duty of the Green Mountain Boys to watch 
in their vicinity for any hostile movement on tlie part of 
their adversaries, and to hold themselves in readiness to 
go to any part of the grants at any time, for the defense 
of the persons or property of the settlers. 

Leading Spirits among the Green Mountain Boys. — 
Prominent among the 
G reen M o u n t a i n Boys 
stood Ethan Allen, Seth 
Warner, Remember Baker, 
Robert Cochran, Peleg 
Sunderland, and others. 

Ethan Allen was per- 
haps the most influential 
personage at this time. Ilis 
commanding figure, great 
vigor of i)iind and body, 
confidence in his own abil- 
ity, genuine good fellow- 
ship, ready sympathy, and 
hatred of any appearance of meanness or injustice, easily 
made him the chosen leader of the Green Mountain Boys. 

Sometimes he harangued from the stump, vividly por- 
traying to the hardy and unpolished settlers their just 
grievances, and urging them to defend stoutly their rights ; 
sometimes, through pamphlets of his own composing, 
which he widely scattered, he set forth, in his peculiarly 
original and vigorous style, the cruelty and injustice of 
the New York officials. These pamphlets did not fail to 

hit their mark, and were instrumental in firing the hearts 

8 




Ethan Allen. 



96 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMOXTERS 

of the liardy pioneers to siicli a sense of their wrongs 
that they were the more firmly determined to resist the 
unjust claims of their adversaries, even to the death if 
need be. 

Seth Warner too was tall but of slighter build, more 
modest and unassuming, but no less firm and resolute ; 
and while Allen was sometimes imprudent and overim- 
pulsive, Warner was always cautious, and, possessing de- 
liberation and excellent judgment, was, perhaps, the safer 
leader of the two. 

Remember Baker, a kinsman of both, was, next to 
these two persons, perhaps, most conspicuous at this time, 
a leader in many an enterprise and always ready for action. 
Peleg Sunderland, a noted hunter, and Robert Cochran 
were also much hated by the New Yorkers on account of 
their active resistance to their encroachments. 

Rewards Offered. — The most active in this resistance 
were termed rioters, and warrants were issued for their 
arrest ; but the justice of the peace, who issued them, said 
that, in his opinion, it would not be possible for any sheriff 
to arrest them, and thought it would be wiser to induce 
one of their own number to betray them. 

Proclamations were issued from time to time, offering 
rewards for the capture and delivery at Albany of the 
leaders. Allen, Baker, and Cochran also issued a procla- 
mation declaring they would "kill and destroy ^' any one 
who should try to take them, and offering similar rewards 
for the persons of two hated New York officials to be 
delivered at Catamount Tavern in Bennington. 

In a convention of the Committees of Safety held in 
Manchester the grantees expressed a determination to de- 
fend their rights and to stand by their leaders. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 97 

Capture of Remember Baker. — Esquire Monroe, a New 
York justice, who lived a few miles from the house of 
Remember Baker, coveting the reward offered, undertook 
the capture of Baker at his home in Arlington in March 
of the year 1TT2. "With ten or twelve of his followers, 
Monroe, in the early morning, went to Baker's house and 
forced an entrance by breaking down the door. A fight 
ensued in which Baker, his wife, and young son were all 
severely wounded with sword cuts. Baker himself was 
bound, thrown into a sleigh, and driven with all speed 
toward Albany. A rescue party of ten had very soon 
mounted their horses and were in hot pursuit, overtaking 
tlie fugitives before they reached the Hudson. On the 
first appearance of the rescue party, the men abandoned 
their wounded prisoner and fled into the woods. The 
whole story is told in the following bit of waggery : 

Oh ! .John Monro came on one day 
With all his Yorker Train, 
And took Remember Baker up, 
And set him down again. 

Shortly after this Monroe also made an attempt to 
arrest Seth Warner, who was riding on horseback near 
Monroe's residence. Seizing Warner's horse by the bridle, 
he called upon some bystanders to help him. Warner 
urged him to desist ; but, on his refusing to do so, he 
struck him over the head with his cutlass, the blow stun- 
ning him for the time being, but doing him no permanent 
injury. AYarner then rode on, the spectators showing no 
disposition to interfere. Monroe, however, had had 
enough of the Green Mountain Boys, and never again 
molested them. 



98 VERMONT FOR YOUNG YERMONTERS 

Governor Tryon's Attempt to make Peace. — Realizing 
the difficulty of subduing the grantees by force, Governor 
Tryon determined to see what could be done by negotia- 
tion. Accordingly he wrote a letter to the Rev. Dr. 
Dewey and the people of Bennington and vicinity inviting 
them to lay before him their causes of complaint and ex- 
pressing a strong desire to do them justice. 

A committee appointed for the purpose, of which the 
Rev. Dr. Dewey was one, prepared letters in answer to the 
Governor's, again declaring the titles to their lands as 
legal, and saying further that their acts, which had been 
called riotous and disorderly, were necessary and right, 
and that they had not resisted the New York government, 
but land jobbers who were trying to deprive them of their 
lands. This was indeed true. The quarrel was not with 
New York, many of whose people were in firm sympathy 
with the settlers, but with a few unscrupulous public 
officers and speculators, who wished to enrich themselves 
through fraudulent means, and paid little heed to the oft- 
repeated command of the king to desist until his pleasure 
should be known. 

These letters were delivered to the Governor by Captain 
Stephen Fay and his son, of Bennington, who laid them 
before the New Y'ork council. After considering them, 
the council agreed that no jirosecutions should be made for 
crimes with which the settlers were charged, and that all 
civil suits brought against them by owners of land under 
New Y'ork grants should be stopped till they might know 
the pleasure of the king, provided that the settlers would 
take no steps to dispossess New Y'ork claimants of land for 
the same period. This was agreed to in a convention at 
Bennington shortly after the return of the agents. 



EARLY SET'J^LEMENT 99 

There was now great rejoicing in the grants, for the 
})eople believed that their troubles were about to end. 
JJut peace was not yet in sight. While these negotiations 
were going on, the settlers heard that Cockburn, a noted 
New York surveyor, was measuring land north of them for 
New Y^ork claimants. Ethan Allen and a small party went 
in search of him, and overtook him on the Onion (Wi- 
nooski) Iliver ; after breaking his instruments, they took 
him jirisoner. 

. On their return they stopped at the Eirst Falls of the 
Otter Creek, where Vergennes now stands, to drive away 
the tenants of Colonel Keid, a New Y^ork patentee who 
had previous to this time disjiossessed a Mr. Pangborn, a 
New Hampshire grantee, who had first settled there and 
built a sawmill. Reid had not only appropriated the saw- 
mill to his own use, but had also taken possession of 150 
sawn logs and 14.000 feet of pine boards and had built a 
grist-niilL The (Jrcen Mountain Boys now drove Reid's 
tenants away, broke the stones of the grist-mill, and re- 
established the original settlers. 

When Governor Tryon heard of these doings, he sent a 
letter of sharp rebuke to the inhabitants of the grants, re- 
quiring them to restore to the tenants of Colonel Reid their 
land and tenements. Tiie committee prepared a concilia- 
tory answer, declaring that it was not a breach of good 
faith on their jiart, as the proposition of Governor Ti'yon 
had not been accepted by the Committee of Safety when 
these transactions took place. The Governor did not an- 
swer this communication, and it was soon apparent that 
the attempt at reconciliation had been a failure. 

Colonel Reid returns, but not to remain. — Colonel Reid, 
determined to maintain his title, came back the next sum- 



L.ofC. 



100 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

mer with a party of Scotch emigrants who had but recently 
come over, and for a second time drove tlie first settlers 
away. By hooping the millstones he again made the 
grist-mill serviceable ; and, after having several log huts 
erected, he returned to New York, giving his tenants 
orders to hold possession against all claimants. 

About two months after this, Allen, "Warner, and 
Baker, with over a hundred armed men, appeared on the 
ground and warned the tenants to depart, exi^laining to 
them that the land did not belong to Colonel Reid and that 
he had but imposed upon them. At first they resisted, 
but, finally convinced of the truth of the matter, withdrew. 
The houses were then burned and the crops destroyed by 
turning the horses loose into the fields ; and the millstones 
were broken in pieces and thrown over the falls. The bolt- 
cloth, cut in pieces by Remember Baker, was worn away 
by the men as cockades in their hats. 

The original settlers were again reinstated ; and, to keep 
out intruders in the future, the Green Mountain Boys 
built a blockhouse at the falls, and this was garrisoned by 
a small number of men. They also erected a second one 
near the lower falls of the AVinooski to prevent the intru- 
sion of New York claimants upon the rich lands of that 
section. 

Punishments for Violation of the Decrees made by the 
Committees of Safety. — Wliat punishments should be in- 
flicted upon those wlio violated the decrees made by the 
Gonimittees of Safety was left to the decision of the court. 
The most common modes of punishment were banishment 
from the grants and the application of the " beech seal," 
as that process was called where punishment was inflicted 
by means of beech rods applied with great severity to the 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 



101 



naked back of the offender. A Mr. llongli, who had at- 
tempted to hohl office under New York authority, was con- 
demned to receive 200 stripes upon tlie naked back. This 
method, though primitive, was effectual ; and in that age, 
when whipping was a common mode of punishment, it 
did not occasion the censure with which it would be met 
to-day. 

A convention at Manchester, in 1774, forbade any per- 
son to act as an officer under a commission from the New 
Y'ork governmentunder penalty of being " viewed." This 




Catamount Tavern at Beniun<;;t(jn. 
Called also Green Mountain Tavern, and Landlord Fay's. 

was a kind of punishment practised almost exclusively in 
Bennington and, like some of the other penalties, was 
more ludicrous than severe. A Doctor Adams, of Arling- 
ton, suffered this unique penalty because of his persistent 
sympathy with New York officials. He was first tied into 
an armchair and then drawn up to the top of the sign- 
post of the Green Mountain Tavern, upon the top of 
which stood the stuffed hide of a great catamount, that 
always looked grinning toward New York. There he was 
allowed to remain for two hours, to the great merriment 
of the bystanders. 



102 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

Incensed by such acts on the part of the Green Moun- 
tain Boys, the New York officers became more arbitrary 
and insolent than ever ; and, as they held their i">ositions 
by appointment and did not depend on the vote of the 
people, they made no attempt to please the settlers and 
consequently grew more and more to be disliked by them. 

Benjamin Spencer of Clarendon was an offender of 
this class, and had furthermore bought land under New 
York authority. He was acquainted Avitli the fact that 
he was violating the lq,ws of the Green Mountain Boys, 
but, paying no heed to the warning, was taken prisoner 
by them, tried in their court, and found guilty. As pun- 
ishment the Green Mountain Boys took off the roof of his 
house, and Avould not put it on again until he had promised 
to mend his ways and give them no further trouble. 

A Scheme — The more arbitrary and unjust the New 
Y'ork officials, the greater the sjiirit of ojiposition on the 
part of the grantees, until finally a plan was created 
among some of the leading spirits of the grants to with- 
draw from the jurisdiction of New York and form a sepa- 
rate royal province of the grants and a portion of eastern 
New York, making Colonel Philiji Skene, of Skenesboro, 
the governor of the new colony. Whatever might have 
come of this we can only conjecture ; but at all events the 
grantees had gained the sympathy of the crown, and had 
every reason to believe that their lands would be in time 
confirmed to them. However, a long and bloody contest 
would probably have ensued, had not the breaking out of 
the Revolutionary War compelled the disputants to turn 
their energies to fighting a common enemy. 



CHAPTER XII 

INDICATIONS OF WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN — FIRST 
BLOOD SPILLED 

Discontent of the Colonies. — A spirit of discontent 
had now for some time been growing among the Ameri- 
can colonies because the British Government was unjustly 
taxing and in other ways oppressing them. 

The British Parliament is to England Avhat Congress is 
to the United States. Every State in our Union sends its 
representatives to Congress, and these representatives look 
out for the interests of their State and help make the laws 
which govern it. It was a recognized right of the Eng- 
lish people at this time that no tax should be levied upon 
them except by vote of members of Parliament whom they 
had chosen to represent them. As the colonies had no 
such representative, the act of Parliament in taxing them 
was plainly " taxation witliout representation/' which was 
unconstitutional ; aiul against this the colonists rebelled. 

Committees of Correspondence Committees of Corre- 
spondence were formed in the colonies for the purpose of 
learning the opinion of the j^eople concerning the acts of 
Parliament toward the American colonies. When a letter 
of this purport came to the supervisors of Cumberland 
County, copies of it were made and sent to each town in 
the county, and a convention was called to meet in Octo- 
ber, 1774. Here resolutions were passed similar to those 

103 



104 VP^HMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

passed in the Contniental Congress, -which was hehl some 
time previous to this and of wliich the next topic treats. 
The people of Ciimberhmd County had not then heard of 
the acts of the Continental Congress. 

First Continental Congress. — In 1TT4 a general con- 
gress met in Philadelphia, in Carpenter's Hall, to con- 
sider what action the colonies should take toward the 
mother country. They dcchired, among other things, 
that since they were not allowed representation in Parlia- 
ment that they had the right to make their own laws and 
levy their own taxes in all cases except such as related to 
trade between the colonies and Great Britain and were for 
their mutual advantage. They condemned many of the 
acts of Parliament and said they would never submit to 
them. They also petitioned the king as "the loving 
Father of the whole People " to redress their wrongs. Be- 
fore sending the petition, Congress signed the articles of 
the "American Association," which declared that they 
would have no trade witli England in any way unless their 
wrongs should be riglited. The king paid no attention to 
the petition. On learning of these acts of Congress, Cum- 
berland County in convention at Westminster fully en- 
dorsed them. 

The Courts of Justice. — The courts of justice were now 
almost universally closed in the colonies except in New 
York, where for a time- they refused to adopt the resolves 
of the Continental Congress. Although the ])eople of the 
eastern portion of the grants had up to this time taken 
little part in the land controversy, as many of the towns 
had surrendered their original charters and repurchased 
new ones, they were now brought into closer relations with 
the grantees west of the mountains ; and thereafter their 



EAKLY SETTLEMENT 105 

interests were much the same. They were as miicli op- 
posed to the oppressive acts of Parliament as were the 
people situated west of the mountains ; and when the New 
Yorkers, who were the king's servants, still persisted in 
holding courts in Cumberland County, they rebelled both 
against the king and the New York government. 

Measures taken to prevent the Holding of the King's 
Court; the Result. — The administration of the courts of 
justice had long been insufferable in the County of Cum- 
berland ; and the AVhigs (those favoring the Continental 
Congress) resolved tliat the administration should no longer 
remain in the hands of the Tories (those favoring the king). 

The time for holding the March term of court at 
Westminster, Cumberland County, was drawing near. It 
was expected that criminal cases against leading Green 
Mountain Boys would be taken up at this session ; and, 
without doubt, the judgments of the court would be 
unfavorable to them. For this reason many of the promi- 
nent settlers determined that the court should not sit. 

Accordingly, forty citizens of the county went to the 
chief judge and tried to dissuade him from holding the 
court, but met with no success. After discussing among 
themselves different plans for preventing its sitting, they 
decided to permit it to come together and then lay before 
it their objections to its proceeding. A rumor now 
reached them that the court was planning to take posses- 
sion of the court-house the day previous to its meeting, 
and prevent those from entering who were opposed to its 
sitting. To prevent this about one hundred citizens, 
armed with clubs taken from a neighboring woodpile, en- 
tered the court-house the afternoon of the day preceding 
the one on which the court was to be held, with the inten- 



106 VEEMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTEKS 

tion of remaining there until the judges should hear their 
complaints. 

They had not been there long when the sheriff appeared 
accompanied by the officers of the court and a posse of 
armed men. He demanded entrance, and, on receiving 
no answer, commanded all persons who were unlawfully 
assembled to disperse. They answered that they would 
not disperse, but would admit them if they would lay 
aside their arms, also declaring that they were there for 
peace and wished to hold parley with them. 

The armed force now" withdrew ; and later Judge 
Chandler came to the court-house, declaring to its occu- 
pants that the arms were brought without his consent and 
that they who now held the court-house might do so till 
morning, when the court would convene without arms and 
hear what they had to say. 

With this assurance the greater number of the TVhigs 
went to their homes or to some of the neighboring houses 
for the night, leaving a guard in the court-house to give 
notice in case of molestation. About midnight the sen- 
tinel, who was posted at the door, announced that the 
sheriff and his posse were on their way to the court-house. 
Partially intoxicated the company advanced to within ten 
rods, when the command was given to fire. Three shots 
only were fired ; but when again the command of " Fire I " 
rang out on the midnight air, a volley was poured forth 
which mortally wounded two men, William French, who 
died in a few hours, and Daniel Houghton, who lived but 
a few days afterward. The assailants then rushed forward 
and effected an entrance ; and, amid total darkness, a 
hand-to-hand conflict followed in which several of the 
Whigs were wounded and those who were not able to es- 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 107 

cape under cover of the darkness taken prisoners. These 
were thrust into the two narrow rooms of the jail, where 
they were kept without light or heat for the remainder of 
the night and a part of the next day. 

Tiie judges opened the court at tlie appointed hour but 
did no business, adjourning to meet in the following June. 
The judges, however, never held the session appointed, for 
this was their last meeting. 

The Spreading of the News and its Result. — The news 
of the AVestminster Massacre, so called, spread like fire in 
dry grass. Before noon of the next day several hundred 
armed men, burning with indignation, were on the spot. 
The prisoners were set free ; and their places at once filled 
by as many of the judges and officers of the court as could 
be found. A force of forty Green Mountain Boys, under 
the command of Robert Cochran, from the west side of the 
mountains, and others from the southern part of Cumber- 
land County and Massachusetts followed, until in two 
days' time 500 armed men thronged the little town of but 
a single street. 

A Committee of Liquiry chosen for the purpose sen- 
tenced the most blameworthy of the king's officers to be 
sent to jail at Northampton, and put many others under 
bonds to appear at the next court. It is not known that 
they ever came to. trial, for the weightier matters of the 
Revolution soon engrossed the attention of the complain- 
ants, and the matter blew over. 

The blood spilled at Westminster March 13, 1775, was 
virtually the first of the Revolution, having been shed by 
a few stanch Whigs who were acting in defense of the 
resolves made by the Continental Congress. 



108 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 



TEST. 

1. Wliat were the N. H. grants, and how many such had been made 

up to 17G3 ? 

2. Who were the original proprietors, and how were the grants ob-. 

tained ? 

3. What were some of the conditions of tlie N. H. cliarters ? 

4. Who were the original settlers ? 

5. What dispute arose in regard to the boundaries as a result of these 

grants ? 
G. How was the difficulty settled ? 

7. What was the pioneer's method of clearing the land of the forests ? 

8. Describe the first dwelling-houses. 

9. Tell something of how the cooking was done in the early home. 

10. Tell how clothing was procured. 

11. Describe the early school. 

12. Tell something of the meeting bouse and its services. 

13. What were some of the early occupations ? the recreations ? 

14. Describe the beaver villages. 

ir>. How did the change of jurisdiction affect the settlers ? 
10. What unjust demand did the New York government make of the 
grantees ? 

17. AVhat response did they make to this ? 

18. What appeal did they make, and with what result ? 

19. How did the New York officials respond to the decrees of the king ? 

20. How did the grants made by the New York government differ 

from those made by the New Hampshire government ? 

21. What counties were now formed in the New Hampshire Grants, by 

whom formed, and for what purpose ? 

22. Who were the Green Mountain Boys, why so called, and what 

was their purpose in organizing ? 

23. Name four of the most prominent ones. 

24. What characteristics made Ethan Allen the chosen leader of the 

Green Mountain Boys ? 

25. Tell the story of James Breckenridge. 

26. What were the Committees of Safety, and whj' formed ? 



EARLY SETTLEMENT 109 

27. What were some of the decrees made in conventions of tlie Com- 

mittees of Safety ? 

28. What were some of the punishments for violation of decrees ? 

29. Describe the capture of Remember Baker. 

30. Rehite tlie history of Reid's attempts to establish a settlement upon 

forbidden ground. 

31. What were the causes of discontent on the part of the American 

colonies ? 

32. What did thi.s finally lead to ? 

33. Describe the Westminster Massacre. 

34. Locate the following towns: Bennington, Westminster, Guilford, 

Washington, Whitehall, Arlington, Vergennes, Manchester. 



FOURTH PERIOD 



THE REVOLUTION 

(1775-1783) 



CHAPTER XIII 

AMERICANS POSSESS LAKE CHAMPLAIN — FIRST REGIMENT 
OF GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS 

Condition of Military Posts on Lake Champlain at the 
Beginning of the Revolutionary War. — During the interim 
between tlie close of the French and Indiiin War and the 
beginning of the Revolutionary War, the military posts on 
Lake Champlain, iilthongh probably never entirely aban- 
doned, were allowed to fall into decay. On the opening of 
hostilities between the colonies and tiie mother country, in 
the spring of 1775, both Ticondcroga and Crown Point 
were garrisoned by British soldiers, but too feebly to with- 
stand successfully any vigorous attacks. 

Importance of these Forts.--The British, anticipating 
the possibilities of war, were planning to make use, if nec- 
essary, of the strength and resources of Canada ; and hence 
the holding of all forts on Lake Champlain would be much 
to their advantage. Ticonderoga was the " Gibraltar" of 
the lake, important not only on account of its position, but 
also because of the cannon and great quantities of stores 

110 



THE REVOLUTION 111 

which were there. Crown Point, not many miles distant, 
was second in importance. 

The colonies also were turning covetous eyes upon these 
important positions ; and, as indications of war became 
more pronounced, the importance of securing these posts 
for the American cause grew upon many of the leading pa- 
triots. They also realized that, on the opening of hostili- 
ties, the forts should be seized at once, before news of the 
breaking out of war could reach the garrison, and, above 
all, before reenforcements could arrive. 

Plans for the Taking of Ticonderoga. — In the spring of 
1775, John Brown, of Massachusetts, passed through the 
western part of Vermont on his way to Montreal on a secret 
mission among the Indians. He stopped at Bennington, 
where he held a consultation with prominent grantees, and 
where he was furnished with a guide and interpreter, Peleg 
Sunderland, a noted hunter of the grants, who was per- 
fectly familiar with the Indians of that section. 

After a tedious Journey of two weeks he arrived at Mon- 
treal, from which place he wrote to the Committee of Cor- 
resj^ondence in Boston of the great importance of seizing, 
as soon as possible, the fort at Ticonderoga, should the 
British begin hostilities. He also said that the people of 
the New Hampshire Grants had been engaged to do the 
business, and that, in his opinion, they were the proper 
persons for the task. 

The news of the battle of Lexington, which occurred 
about a month later, produced a shock throughout the col- 
onies, for it was the signal that war had begun. The time 
had now come for action on the part of the Green Mountain 
Boys. Calling a meeting in the Council Chamber at Cata- 
mount Tavern in Bennington, they there resolved to unite 
9 



112 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 



with their countrymen in waging a just war against the 
mother country. 

At the same time influential men of Hartford, Conn., 
hearing from Benedict Arnold of the defenseless condition 
of Ticonderoga, began to make preparations for its capture. 
_______^__ Obtaining 




£300 from the 
treasury of 
Connecticut 
to aid in car- 
rying out the 
project, they 
at once sent 
m esse ngers 
with the mon- 
e y , to the 
northward, 
for tlie i3ur- 
pose of engag- 
ing Colonel 
Ethan Allen 
and his associates in the business. 
The very day of their depart- 
ure Captain Mott arrived at Hartford ; 
and, on liearing of the expedition which 
liad. just started out, he volunteered to join 
them, and soon overtook them. Gathering volunteers as they 
went, the party entered Bennington with over fifty men, and 
found the Green Mountain Boys ready to join with heart 
and hand in the expedition. Here the discouraging rumor 
reached them that Ticonderoga had been reenforced ; but, 
nothing daunted, they went on to prejiare for its capture. 



Ruins of Fort 
Ticonderoga. 



•/"'1|,1M„ , 



THE KEVOLUTION 113 

Preparations Made. — A meeting was now held by the 
Committee of War, of whom Captain Mott was chairman, 
to plan the expedition ; and it was agreed that the chief 
command should be given to Colonel Ethan Allen, and that 
the place of rendezvous should be Castleton, 

Allen, readily consenting to conduct the expedition, set 
off to the north with all despatch for the purpose of enlist- 
ing men for the task. The men from Massachusetts and 
Connecticut purchased quantities of provisions and then 
proceeded to Castleton. 

All roads leading to Skenesboro (now Whitehall) or to 
the forts were guarded, so that no news of their approach 
could be carried to the enemy. Captain Phelps of Con- 
necticut was sent as a spy to Ticonderoga ; disguised as a 
backwoodsman, he easily gained admission into the fort. 
After obtaining the desired information he returned to Cas- 
tleton, where he communicated to those in waiting the plan 
of the fort and the condition of its defenses. 

Captain Herrick with about thirty men was sent to 
Skenesboro to capture Major Skene and his men ; and, pro- 
curing his boats, was ordered to come to Shoreham, oppo- 
site Ticonderoga, where all the forces were to meet on May 
9, and from which place they were to be transported 
across the lake in boats procured by him and Captain 
Douglas, who had been sent out on a similar errand. 

Major Beach, who had been sent by Allen to rally the 
Green Mountain Boys at the north, made a circuit of sixty 
miles, over rough and almost impassable byways, in about 
twenty-four hours, going through Rutland, Pittsford, 
Brandon, and Middlebury. Promptly responded the farm- 
er, lumberman, potash-maker, and miller to the call to 
arms ; and, bidding hasty farewells to families, they has- 



114 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

tened to Shoreliani, arriving there on the evening of the 
appointed day. 

The Command Disputed. — While the forces were collect- 
ing at Castleton, Benedict Arnold, attended only by a 
servant, arrived from Massachusetts to assume the com- 
mand of the expedition, having received from the Massa- 
chusetts Committee of Safety a colonel's commission with 
orders to enlist 400 men for the reduction of Ticonderoga. 
He was refused the command by the Committee of War, 
who urged that, as he had not enlisted these men, he had 
no right to command them; and, since the men themselves 
declared they would return to their homes rather than serve 
under him, he was compelled to yield, and thereupon 
joined the force as a volunteer, with the rank of colonel 
without a command. 

The Force Cross the Lake. — Two hundred and seventy 
men, all but fifty of them being Green Mountain Boys, 
had now arrived at Shoreham ready to be transported across 
the lake. Anxiously they waited for the boats, but it was 
nearly morning before any of them put in an appearance. 
They had been able to collect but a small craft at best, so 
that not even a half of their number could be transported 
over at one time. Allen, Arnold, and Easton, with eighty 
others, went over first; and then the boats were returned 
to bring over the remaining force, who were waiting under 
command of Captain Seth Warner. 

The Taking of the Fort. — Day was now dawning, and 
Allen saw that if the attack were delayed longer there 
would be no hope of surprising the garrison. AVith char- 
acteristic daring he determined to take it at once, without 
waiting for the others to come over. Explaining the 
situation to his men, he commanded those vvho were willing 



THE REVOLUTION 115 

to follow him to poise their firelocks. Without hesitation 
each man raised his weapon. Here Arnold again asserted 
his right to command, and Allen emphatically denied it ; 
but, on the advice of one of his trusted officers, Allen 
allowed Arnold to enter the fort by his side. 

The little force now moved toward the fort, guided by a 
boy named Beman, who had spent much time with the 
garrison and was familiar with every part of the fort and 
its approaches. With but little difficulty they silenced the 
drowsy sentry and entered the fort. Allen demanded to be 
shown the apartment of the commandant and was promptly 
obeyed. Arriving at the door, he commanded Delaplace to 
come forth at once, threatening if he did not do so to sac- 
rifice the whole garrison. Trembling and with clothes in 
hand Captain Delaplace opened the door. Allen com- 
manded immediate surrender ; and, on being asked by 
Delaplace on what authority, he answered, '^In the name 
of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress." 
Finding that Allen was not to be parleyed with, he ordered 
his men to parade without arms. 

And thus Ticonderoga, which had cost Great Britain 
140,000,000, surrendered to the Green Mountain Boys, so 
soon after the battle of Lexington that the garrison were 
utterly ignorant that hostilities had commenced between 
England and her colonies ; and to the Green Mountain 
Boys belongs the honor of compelling the first surrender of 
the British flag to the American Colonies. 

Other Victories. — Soon after the fort was taken, Warner 
arrived with the remainder of the force, and was sent by 
Allen, with about one hundred men, to take Crown Point, 
which was garrisoned by a sergeant and only twelve men. 
Captain Remember Baker and his company had also been 



116 VERMONT FOR YOUNG YERMONTERS 

summoned from the Wiuooski; and tliey now joined Warner 
at Crown Point, after capturing on the way two small 
boats which were bound for St. Johns. The day follow- 
ing the capture of Ticonderoga, Crown Point surrendered 
without opposition to Seth Warner. A small fort at the 
head of Lake George was also seized, an easy thing to 
accomplish, as its entire garrison consisted of a man and 
a woman. The force which had been sent to Skenesboro 
was successful in capturing Major Skene and taking a 
schooner and several bateaux, with which they hastened 
on to Ticonderoga. 

Gain to the Patriot Cause. — By these victories about 
fifty persons were captured; and 200 cannon, quantities of 
military stores, and a warehouse containing material for 
boat building, were gained for the patriot cause. Allen 
sent the prisoners under guard to Connecticut and many 
of the munitions of war to the vicinity of Boston, where 
they were much needed. 

The Capture of an English Sloop at St. Johns. — Em- 
boldened by their victories, they now determined to gain 
the entire command of the lake by capturing a British 
sloop at St. Johns. A schooner and a bateau, which had 
been captured at Skenesboro, were accordingly manned for 
the purpose ; and Arnold was put in command of the 
schooner and Allen of the bateau. Favored by a strong 
wind blowing from the south, Arnold with his light 
schooner reached St. Johns, made an easy capture of the 
British sloop, with its sergeant and twelve men, and, the 
wind then shifting to the north, was well on his way back 
before Allen came up, Arnold, no doubt, well pleased to 
have accomplished the capture without the aid of Allen. 
The lake and all its forts were now under the control of 



THE EEVOLUTION 117 

the patriot army, and gained in a week's time almost 
wholly through the wise planning and prompt action of 
the Green Mountain Boys. 

Arnold again ; Discharge of the Green Mountain Boys. 

— The day following the capture of Ticonderoga, Allen de- 
spatched a messenger to the Albany committee reporting 
the capture and asking that provisions and 500 men might 
be sent to Ticonderoga, as he feared the British would soon 
attempt its recapture. The committee at first declined to 
furnish any aid, many of them being at that time either 
secretly or openly in favor of the British cause. 

Ticonderoga had no sooner surrendered than Arnold 
again arrogantly demanded its command ; and now, to put 
an end to further trouble. Captain Mott delivered to Allen 
a certificate authorizing him to keep the command of the 
fortress until he should have further orders, either from 
the Connecticut Colony or from the Continental Congress. 

Early in June the Connecticut Colony, having been 
requested to do so both by the Continental Congress and the 
New York Congress, sent a regiment of 1,000 men under 
Colonel Benjamin Hinman to Ticonderoga ; and to him 
Allen gave up the command, though Arnold still asserted 
his claim until the Massachusetts Committee, under whose 
authority he claimed to act, after an investigation, dis- 
charged him from the service. On the coming of Colonel 
Hinman, the Green Mountain Boys, who had now served 
for about a month, were honorably discharged. 

A Regiment of Green Mountain Boys. — Many of the 
Green Mountain Boys wished again to enter the service, 
but their difficulties with the New York government for 
a time stood in their way, Allen wrote a long letter to 
the New York Congress, advising an immediate invasion 



118 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

of Canada, and asking for himself and other Green Moun- 
tain Boys service in the cause. Receiving no reply from 
them, a council of officers was held at Crown Point, who 
advised them to go to Philadelphia and obtain the advice 
of the Continental Congress on the subject. Acting on 
their suggestion, Allen and Warner repaired to Congress, 
where, by their dignified bearing and intelligent speech, 
they produced so favorable an impression on that body, 
that a vote was carried to pay the Green Mountain Boys 
for their services in taking and garrisoning the forts ; and 
Congress further advised the New York Congress, con- 
sulting with General Schuyler, to employ a force of Green 
Mountain Boys, under officers of their own clioosing, to 
aid in the defense of the colonies. 

The New York Convention accordingly ordered such a 
force to be organized, not exceeding five hundred men ; 
and this order was forwarded to the grants by General 
Schuyler, That very month (July 36) a convention met 
at Dorset to elect the officers of the regiment. Warner 
was made lieutenant-colonel, receiving forty-one votes 
while Allen received but five. This was a great mortifi- 
cation to Allen, who expected and much desired the com- 
mand ; but Warner, as a military leader, was the choice of 
the people, who had unlimited confidence in his sound 
judgment, firmness, and resolution ; and on no occasion 
did Warner ever disappoint them. 

A report of this act was sent to General Schuyler with 
the statement that the regiment had been formed in com- 
pliance with the orders of Congress, the Green Mountain 
Boys never losing an ojoportunity to assert their independ- 
ence of New York, and raising their regiment on the order 
of Congress after the manner of other indeptmdent states. 



CHAPTER XIV 

PATRIOT ARMY INVADE CANADA — THEIR VICTORIES — 
THEIR RETREAT 

The Patriot Army cross the Canadian Line. — As tlicre 
wore no British troops in Canadii save barely enoiigli to 
garrison the forts, General Carleton, who was now gov- 
ernor of that province, began to put forth every effort to 
engage the St. Francis Indians and the Canadian French 
in the British service, large quantities of arms having 
already been sent over from England for their equipment. 
This he found diflficult to do, as neither had been favor- 
able to the British Dominion and were accordingly slow to 
take part with England against the colonies. At last, 
however, some of them were enlisted and led to act with 
the British forces, the Indians of Swanton probably being 
among the number ; but they showed little enthusiasm for 
the cause. 

The Continental Congress, having received intelligence 
of these facts, thought it would be a good time to invade 
Canada before reenforcements could arrive from England ; 
and, therefore, they determined to send troops into that 
territory with strong hopes that, on their arrival, the 
Canadians would join the other colonies in opposing Great 
Britain. 

For this purpose it was proposed to raise 2,000 men 
to be commanded by Generals Schuyler and Montgomery. 

119 



120 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

The boat-building material, captured a short time before, 
now came into use ; for directly the soldiers at Crown 
Point and Ticonderoga turned their hands to the making 
of a large number of bateaux and flat-bottomed boats for 
the transportation of the forces down the lake. 

Montgomery, hearing, late in the summer, that Gen- 
eral Carleton was jilanning to enter the lake with a con- 
siderable force, went forward to prevent his designs. Pro- 
ceeding down the lake to Isle La Motte, he was there 
joined by Schuyler ; and together they went on to Isle aux 
Noix, and there placed their forces in such position as would 
prevent the enemy's vessels from passing up the lake. 

Proclamations sent out and their Result ; Reconnoiter- 
ing Expeditions. — From Isle aux Noix proclamations were 
sent out among the Canadians, declaring that these war- 
like acts were in no way directed against them and inviting 
them to Join the colonies in fighting for liberty. 




An old gun of Ethan Allen's (at the State House) 



Colonel Allen, whom Schuyler had sent out from Ticon- 
deroga the previous August, with letters and interpreters, 
to solicit aid from the Canadians, seems to have been quite 
successful ; and he is now sent a second time on alike mis- 
sion, "'preaching politics," to use his own words, and gain- 
ing volunteers for the American cause. As a result of these 
proclamations, some of the Canadians joined the patriot 
army or contributed provisions, "the latter," as Rowland E. 
Robinson says, " being the more valuable contribution," for 
the Canadians often deserted when their services were most 
needed. 



THE REVOLUTION 121 

On September 6, the American army, wliich at that 
time numbered only 1,000 men, advanced toward St. 
Johns ; but after reconnoitering for a time, during which 
they were attacked by the Indians, came to the conclusion 
that the fort was too strong for them to take with their 
present force, and so withdrew to Isle aux Noix to await 
reenforcements. 

It was during this advance that Remember Baker met 
his death by a shot from a hostile Indian. This was a great 
shock to the Green Mountain Boys, Baker being the first 
one of their number to suffer death after the breaking out 
of the war. 

Schuyler now returned to Albany ; and Montgomery, 
after receiving reenforcements, again advanced on St. Johns, 
laying siege to that fortress, which was garrisoned by the 
greater part of the forces of Canada and well supplied with 
guns, ammunition, and military stores. Here he was joined 
by Warner, who was now sent with three hundred of his 
regiment to take a stand near Montreal and there watch the 
movements of the enemy. 

Attempt to take Montreal ; Allen Captured. — On Sep- 
tember 20, Allen, who had not returned from his recruit- 
ing expedition, wrote to Montgomery that in about three 
days he would join him at St. Johns with at least five hun- 
dred Canadian volunteers, which, he said, he could easily 
raise. But he did not fulfil his engagement ; for four 
days later, as he was on his way to St. Johns, he came 
upon Major Brown, at La Prairie, who was out on a like 
mission. Brown assured Allen that Montreal was en- 
tirely without defense and suggested that they attempt its 
capture. 

As such an undertaking was in no way distasteful to 



132 VERMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMONTERS 

Allen, they began at once to make plans for its accomplish- 
ment. During that very night Allen, after procuring canoes, 
was to cross over with a force of about eighty Green Moun- 
tain Boys and perhaps thirty Canadians to the island of 
Montreal a little below the town, while Brown with about 
twice that number was to cross above it. At early dawn 
three huzzas from Brown's men with an answering three 
from Allen's was to be the signal for attack. 

Allen crossed over according to agreement ; but for 
some reason unknown to historians Brown failed to put in 
an appearance, and daylight revealed Allen's little company 
in full sight of the enemy. Allen, instead of retreating, 
determined to maintain his ground ; and a fight ensued, 
which lasted two hours, in which several men on both sides 
were killed or wounded. 

Deserted by most of the Canadian volunteers and over- 
powered by numbers, Allen and thirty-eight of his men 
were taken prisoners. AVhen the British general, Prescott, 
learned that he had captured the Green Mountain Boy who 
had taken Ticonderoga, he showered much abusive language 
upon him, exclaiming with an oath, " I will not execute you 
now, but you shall grace a halter at Tyburn!" (Tyburn 
being the place where common criminals were hung in Eng- 
land). Allen, with his associates, was put on board the 
man-of-war Gaspee, and sent manacled to England, where 
he suffered a cruel captivity. 

This attempt on the part of Allen to take Montreal with- 
out proper authority was censured by both Montgomery 
and Schuyler ; though, perhaps, had the result been dif- 
ferent, as it undoubtedly would have been if Brown had 
cooperated with him, the act would have been looked upon 
as less foolhardy. As Brown has a good military record on 



THE EEVOLUTION 123 

all other occasions, it is but fair to think that some 
unforeseen obstacle prevented his doing his part of the 
work. 

The Capture of St. Johns.— St. Johns had been in a state 
of siege about a month, when the fort at GMiambly, a little 
farther down the Richelieu, with a garrison of about one 
hundred men and quantities of ammunition and provisions, 
was taken by Majors Brown and Livingston. Tliis was ex- 
actly what Montgomery needed in order to push the siege 
with vigor ; for up to this time the progress had been slow, 
principally from lack of ammunition. 

General Carleton, at Montreal, was making all possible 
efforts to relieve St. Johns ; but Warner, close by with his 
Green Mountain Boys, was on the alert and watching his 
every movement. At length Carleton, with a force of 800 
regulars besides militia and Indians, started out from 
Montreal expecting to be reenforced at the mouth of the 
Richelieu. When his flotilla was near the south shore of 
the St. Lawrence, he was met by Seth Warner and his 
men, who 2)oured upon Carleton's force such a destructive 
volley that they were obliged to retreat in great disorder. 

St. Johns, left now without hope of reenforcements, had 
no alternative but to surrender. And thus, on November 
3, GOO prisoners, several cannon, and large quantities of 
ainmunition fell into the hands of the Americans. 

The Taking of Montreal. — Montgomery now proceeded 
to Montreal, and as the city was able to make no defense, 
Carleton having quitted it the night before, took easy pos- 
session of it on the 13th, less than two weeks after the 
surrender of St. Johns. As the term of enlistment had 
now expired for Warner's men, they returned to their 
homes. By cutting off its supplies they had compelled the 



124 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

surrender of St. Johns, which in its turn opened the 
way for the capture of Montreal. 

Attempt to Capture Quebec— Montgomery now ad- 
vanced down the St. Lawrence to Quebec. Here he was 
joined by Arnold, who had with much difficulty come 
through the wilds of Maine and whose force was in a lament- 
able condition. On the last night of the year 1775 they 
made a spirited attack upon the city with a force not 
exceeding 1,200, but were not able to take it on account 
of its strong fortifications and the superior numbers of the 
enemy. Montgomery was killed, Arnold severely wounded, 
and nearly one-half the American force killed or taken 
prisoners. 

Thus the campaign of 1775, so far victorious to the 
patriot cause, closed in a disaster, which was the beginning 
of the series of defeats that followed for over a year and a 
half thereafter. 

Petition to Congress. — The fact that the attention of the 
New York government was now diverted from its contro- 
versy with the New Hamjishire Grants by the weightier mat- 
ters of the Revolution, gave the cause of the grantees an op- 
portunity to strengthen itself. The grantees were, indeed, 
practically an independent people, obeying no laws save 
those of their own making. Such government as they had 
was vested in Committees of Safety who had no power to 
enforce their laws upon those inhabitants who still adhered 
to New York. As they had never been recognized as a 
separate province, they had no rei^resentation in Congress 
and therefore no part in making the laws by which they 
were governed. 

Seeing tlie necessity of a more stable government for 
their common defense and general welfare, a committee 



THE REVOLUTION 125 

was chosen to go to Philadelphia in the fall of 1775 to gain 
the advice of Congress as to what was best to be done. 
Receiving no formal advice from Congress, they held a con- 
vention at Dorset, January 16, in which they drew up a 
petition to send to Congress. This declared that the New 
Hampshire Grants were willing to do their full part in 
waging the war against Great Britain, but they were not 
willing to be considered under the control of New York ; 
hence they requested that when Congress called upon them 
for military service it should be as to inhabitants of the 
grants and not as to inhabitants of New York. This 
petition was given into the care of Hemen Allen, a brother 
of Ethan Allen, who submitted it to Congress. The com- 
mittee to whom it was referred advised the grantees to 
yield to the government of New York until the close of the 
war, when the dispute should be settled through proper 
judges to whom it should be referred. Allen, considering 
any such decision as unfavorable to the grants, and know- 
ing that it would be very unsatisfactory to the people, asked 
that he might withdraw the petition so that no action should 
be taken on it, and was allowed to do so. This was the first 
application that the people of the grants had ever made to 
tlie Continental Congress. 

The Retreat from Canada.— On the death of General 
Montgomery at Quebec the command in Canada devolved 
upon General Wooster, who made a strong appeal to the 
American colonies for reenforcements that the siege of 
Quebec might be kept up. In a personal letter to Seth 
Warner he urged him to raise a force of Green Mountain 
Boys and come to his succor as soon as possible. So 
quickly was the call responded to that in about eleven 
days Warner had mustered his men and was soon on his 



12G VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

way to Canada, Warner's regiment being among the first of 
the recruits to arrive before Quebec. 

The winter's campaign was a hard one, not only because 
of the want of suitable barracks, clothing, and provisions, 
but also on account of the prevalence of smallpox, of which 
a large number of the soldiers died. The siege was kept 
up for several months; but on arrival of a large body of 
British troops, the Americans, in a council of war, decided 
to abandon the siege. 

During the withdrawal of the army from Canada Warner 
and his force were put in a position of greatest danger, fol- 
lowing in the rear of the retreating army, and much of the 
time but little in advance of the enemy. It was their duty 
to cover the retreat of the main force and to pick up the 
sick and wounded of their number who, unable to keep up, 
should fall behind. 

Late in June the army reached Ticonderoga, more than 
half of their number sick and many of the others weak and 
broken in spirit because of their sufferings. They had 
abandoned the whole of Canada, but still hoped to retain 
the command of the lake. The prompt and effective serv- 
ices of Warner and his men were not ignored by Congress ; 
and two weeks after their return from Canada Congress 
resolved to organize on its own authority a regiment of 
Green Mountain Boys under Warner as colonel, Warner's 
corps having up to this time been of a temporary character. 
Surely the Green Mountain Boys were beginning to gain 
the respect of their countrymen ; they were no longer 
looked upon as a mob. Warner remained in command of 
this regiment for five years. 

Companies of Rangers ; Roads. — For protection against 
the hostile invasions of the savages, companies of rangers 



THE REVOLUTION 127 

were raised in the grants to "scour the woods" and force 
back any red men who should try to cross their borders. 

General Jacob Bailey, of Newbury, who had this year 
commenced cutting a military road from Newbury to Can- 
ada and had reached a point a little north of Peacham, 
caused the work to cease on the retreat of the Americans 
from Canada, for there was now no necessity for such road. 
Three years later the work was again taken np by General 
Hazen, and the road extended to Westfield, fifty miles far- 
ther. This has since been known as the Hazen road. Just 
before or during the Revolutionary War several important 
highways were opened in western Vermont. Among these 
was the road opened by Ira Allen, from Colchester to Cas- 
tleton, a distance of about seventy miles, and those from 
Rutland to Mt. Independence and from Rutland to White- 
hall. 



10 



CHAPTER XV 

AMERICANS FORTIFY THEMSELVES ON THE LAKE — VER- 
MONTERS DECLARE THEIR INDEPENDENCE OF NEW 
YORK AND ADOPT A CONSTITUTION 

Declaration of Independence ; Mount Independence 

Unable to endure the arbitrary measures of Great Britain 
longer, Congress declared the United States independent of 
that country July 4, 1776. General Gates now took com- 
mand of the army on the lake ; and fearing he could not 
hold both Crown Point and Ticonderoga, abandoned the 
former and greatly strengthened the latter. 

On a j^eninsula opposite in the town of Orwell, a site 
was chosen for another fort, a heavily timbered eminence, 
which was soon converted into a bare mountain by demol- 
ishing the timbers for the building of the fort and the use of 
the garrison. While this fort was in the process of construc- 
tion, news came of the Declaration of Independence; and 
from this fact the position was named Mt. Independence.. 

Convention at Dorset, July 24, 1776.— W lien Mr. Al- 
len returned from Philadelpliia a general meeting was 
called to hear the report of the decisions of Congress, and 
also to consider what measures ought to be adopted in re- 
gard to their difficulties with New York. Circulars were 
therefore addressed to the different towns asking them to 
appoint delegates to attend this meeting. 

The convention met at the appointed time and was at- 
tended by fifty-one delegates from thirty-one towns, only 

128 



THE REVOLUTION 129 

one town east of the mountains being represented. After 
liearing Mr. Allen's rejiort, the convention agreed to form 
an '^association among themselves for the defense and liber- 
ties of their country." They also declared that they would 
not submit to the government of New York, and that any 
of the grantees who should do so would be considered ene- 
mies of their country. A proposition was made to make 
application to grantees to form that district known as the 
New Hampshire Grants into a separate district. This was 
adoj)ted with but one dissenting voice, and was the first 
formal act of the grantees to form themselves into a sepa- 
rate district. 

A committee, consisting of Heman Allen, Jonas Fay, 
and William ]\Iarsh, was then appointed to consult with 
the people on the east side of the mountains concerning 
this project. AVhen, in August, committees of Gloucester 
and Cumberland counties met in convention at Windsor to 
nominate officers for their companies of rangers, these three 
men were on the ground. The subject of a separate juris- 
diction was urged very forcibly by Allen ; and to learn the 
views of the people on the proposition the inhabitants of 
each town were requested to assemble in town meeting and 
there express freely their opinions. 

As a result of this, most of the towns announced them- 
selves in favor of withdrawing from the jurisdiction of 
New York and making of themselves a separate district ; 
some were divided on the subject ; and a few, firmly ad- 
hering to New York, voted not to send delegates to Dorset, 
where a general convention had been called for the follow- 
ing September to ascertain the voice of the people on this 
most important matter. 

Convention at Dorset, September 25, 1776. — The leaven 



130 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

was working ; and the dissatisfaction with tlie New York 
authorities had now become so general that when the 
convention met at Dorset in September, the towns on the 
east side as well as the west were well represented ; and it 
was unanimously voted, " to take suitable measures, as 
soon as may be, to declare the N. H. Grants a free and 
separate district/' 

They also resolved to obey no laws or directions received 
from New York, but to be governed henceforth by laws 
(not conflicting with the resolves of Congress) made in 
conventions of the N. II. Grants. They clothed themselves 
with the power of forming militia companies and furnish- 
ing troops for the common defense, appointing a Com- 
mittee of War, whose right it was to call out the militia at 
any time for the defense of the grants or any other part of 
the continent. They also ordered that a jail should be 
built at Manchester for tlie safe-keeping of Tories. 

Two Fleets Built. — After driving the Americans from 
Canada, the British determined to construct a fleet by 
means of which they might also drive them from the lake 
and recover the forts which they had lost the year before. 
Accordingly, they established a navy -yard at St. Johns ; and 
soon several boats were in the process of construction. Six 
armed vessels had been sent over from England, and these 
now moved forward to join the fleet at St. Johns ; but 
when they came to the rapids at Chambly they could go no 
farther, and here had to be taken to pieces, transported, 
and afterward reconstructed. 

At Skenesboro, at the other end of Lake Champlain, 
was a second navy-yard, where the Americans, under the 
direction of Benedict Arnold, were equally busy construct- 
ing a fleet, by means of which they hoped to keep the com- 



THE REVOLUTION 131 

mand of the lake. They had but scant material with which 
to construct their boats, save timber green from the forest; 
and this must be dragged by hand to the water's edge, 
where it was intended to be used. Ship carpenters were 
also hard to procure, and the equipment for the vessels had 
to be brought great distances over almost impassable roads. 
But, in the face of all obstacles, so expeditiously was the 
work carried on, the American fleet was ready by the last of 
August. About a month later the British fleet was in 
readiness. It was much stronger than that of the Ameri- 
cans, and manned by nearly twice as many men ; but, in 
spite of the odds against him, Arnold advanced down the 
lake to meet the opposing fleet. 

The Battle near Valcour Island ; Arnold's Retreat. — 
On the morning of October 11, Arnold, being informed 
of the approach of the enemy, stationed his fleet between 
the New York shore and the island of Valcour. The thick 
foliage of the island hid tlie fleet from view of the main 
channel through which the British fleet passed. On dis- 
covering Arnold's fleet in their rear, the British turned 
and advanced upon them from the south. A severe battle 
ensued, in which both sides displayed much valor, and in 
which both sustained severe loss. From noon till night it 
raged, and much of the time so loud was the roar of battle 
that it could be heard at Crown Point, some forty miles 
distant. 

At nightfall the British placed their whole fleet across 
the channel to prevent the escape of the Americans, mean- 
ing to renew the fight in the morning. But Arnold, now 
hoping for nothing better than escape with his shattered 
fleet, succeeded, under cover of a dark and foggy night, in 
getting away ; some say directly through the enemy's lines. 



133 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

wliile others affirm that he made his escape around the 
north end of the island. However this may be, he made 
all speed southward and was out of sight of the enemy 
before dawn. 




Naval battle on Lake Champlain, 1776. 

A, American flotilla under Arnold. B-C, British, under Carleton. D, prob- 
able line of retreat of the Americans when the British had 
been forced back to E. 



Discovering the escape, the British gave chase in the 
dim light of the morning. Sighting what they supposed 
to he a vessel, they poured broadside after broadside into 
it, until the increasing light revealed the astonishing fact 



THE KEVOLUTION 133 

that it was nothing but a rock. Because of this circum- 
stance, the rock has since been known as ''Carleton's 
Prize." 

On making this discovery, the British again gave chase, 
and overtook the fleet at Split Rock on October 13. 
Here another severe battle took place, in which Arnold, 
with his flag-ship Congress and some gondolas, kept up a 
running fire for about four hours, covering the retreat of 
several of his vessels until they were at a safe distance on 
the way to Ticonderoga ; he then ran ashore at Panton, not 
far from the Otter Creek's mouth, blew up his vessel, and 
escaped with his crew on shore. Traces of the shattered 
vessels were plainly visible for many years along the beach 
where this disaster took place. Arnold and his companions 
joined the remainder of the fleet at Ticonderoga, after 
having made a perilous journey through the forests, where 
they barely escaped falling into the hands of the Indians, 
while they could distinctly hear the booming of the cannon 
in their rear. Carleton at once occupied Crown Point, 
and the British now held control of the lake to Ticon- 
deroga. 

Carleton Withdraws to Canada. — It was Carleton's in- 
tention to move now upon Ticonderoga, the conquest of 
which he believed would be an easy matter. Had he done so 
at once, he would probably have gained easy access into the 
fortress, so poorly prepared was it to withstand his superior 
numbers. On the fourteenth the wind began blowing 
from the south and remained in that quarter for eight 
days, thus preventing Carleton's transports from making 
much headway up the lake. In the meantime Gates made 
the most of his time strengthening the intrenchments at 
Ticonderoga ; and, as reenforcements arrived daily (two 



134 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

regiments of which were from the grants). Gates soon had 
a force of 1,200 strong. After reconnoitering for a month 
or so, Carleton withdrew to Canada and went into winter 
quarters, to the great astonishment of both British and 
Americans. The danger now being past, a part of the 
garrison of Ticonderoga was hurried off to join Washing- 
ton, who was then in New Jersey and in much need of 
aid ; and the Green Mountain Boys were discharged from 
duty. 

Meeting at Westminster, January, 1777. — The year 
1777 was by far the most memorable one in tlie early history 
of our State, not only on account of important battles, in 
which the Green Mountain Boys displayed much energy 
and valor, but because of certain measures adopted by the 
grantees in conventions, prominent among which were the 
formal declaration of the independence of the grants, 
and the adoption of a constitution for the new common- 
wealth. 

The first important convention met at Westminster and 
lasted three days, the towns on both sides of the moun- 
tains being well represented. At this convention the del- 
egates publicly declared that the territory commonly 
known by the name of the N. H. Grants should thereafter be 
considered a free and independent State, distinguished by 
the name of New Connecticut. This declaration being 
adopted, it was then voted that it should be published 
in the newspapers ; and Cajitain Heman Allen, Colonel 
Thomas Chandler, and Nathan Clark were chosen a com- 
mittee to prepare it for the press. The declaration ap- 
peared the following March in the Connecticut Courant. 

The Declaration. — The paper thus prepared by the 
committee declared that, since by a declaration of Congress 



THE DEVOLUTION 135 

tlie United Colonies were made independent of the crown 
of Great Britain, it followed that the right of New York 
to rule over the grants, which was given by the crown, 
was now null and void. It also declared that, as the in- 
habitants were thus without government, they had the 
right to form such government for themselves as should be 
best suited to their well-being and happiness. 

It bounded their territory as follows : "South, on the 
north line of Massachusetts Bay ; east, on Connecticut 
Kiver ; north, on Canada line ; west, as far as the New 
Hampshire Grants extend." It declared that the people 
of this territory should thereafter consider themselves a 
free and independent State, capable of governing them- 
selves by such laws as they thought proper (the same not 
being contrary to any resolve of the Continental Congress), 
and that the territory should thereafter go by the name of 
New Connecticut. It also declared that they would stand 
by and support one another in this declaration, and that 
they would do their full proportion in maintaining and 
supporting the war against Great Britain. 

A Declaration and Petition.— They also prepared a 
"Declaration and Petition to Congress " announcing the 
step they had taken and declaring their willingness to do 
their full share toward maintaining the war against Great 
Britain. They closed this by an appeal to Congress to 
recognize their independence and to allow the new State 
representation in that body. This paper was signed and 
presented to Congress by Thomas Chittenden, Heman 
Allen, Jonas Fay, and Reuben Jones. 

The Decision of Congress. — New Hampshire was willing 
to recognize and admit the new State into the Federal 
Union, and both Massachusetts and Connecticut applauded 



13G VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

the boldness with which she liad asserted her just rights; 
but NeAv York looked upon the recent act of the new com- 
monwealth as treason against the New York government. 
Accordingly that government addressed a communication 
to Congress representing to that body that the recent re- 
volt had been occasioned by the influence of certain de- 
signing men and was not the general desire of the people. 
They also urged upon Congress the necessity of taking 
from Seth AVarner and other officers of the grants their 
commands, in justice to the New York government, saying 
that by conferring commissions upon them. Congress had 
given too much Aveight to their claims and had thus encour- 
aged them in their independent proceedings, at the same 
time belittling the authority of the New York govern- 
ment. After some delay Congress took action upon the 
appeal of the grantees, refusing to recognize the inde- 
pendence of the State. 

Meeting at Windsor, June 4. — But while the subject 
of recognition was pending before Congress, the suppliants 
at home were quietly proceeding with their State organi- 
zation. A convention met at Windsor on June 4, the 
largest ever then held, there being seventy-two delegates 
from forty-eight towns, and two towns reporting by letter. 
They there revised their Declaration of Independence and 
changed the name of the State to "Vermont," having 
learned that there was already a district in Pennsylvania 
known as "New Connecticut." The most important bus- 
iness of this convention was the appointing of a committee 
to prepare a draft for a constitution for the new State. 
The towns were then recommended to choose delegates to 
meet at Windsor the July following to discuss and adopt a 
constitution. 



THE REVOLUTION 137 

The Origin of the Name "Vermont." — This most appro- 
priate name "Vermont" was suggested by Dr. Thomas 
Young of Philadelphia, a firm friend of the inhabitants of 
the Green Mountain State. A letter written by him the 
previous April advising the people of that district to or- 
ganize for themselves a suitable government, adopt a con- 
stitution, and elect delegates to send to Congress after the 
manner of other States, was addressed to " The Inhabitants 
of Vermont," — thus the name. 

Constitutional Convention of July, 1777. — On the 
second of July the convention met as proposed at Windsor, 
continuing in session six days. After listening to a sermon 
prepared for that occasion by the Rev. Aaron Hutchinson 
of Pomfret, in which he strongly justifies the people of 
Vermont for the stand they have taken, and recommends 
firmness o-n their part in maintaining their position, a 
draft of a constitution is presented and read. Dr. Young 
had previously recommended as a model for the constitu- 
tion for the new State that of Pennsylvania, the principal 
features of which were identical with William Penn's 
original form of government for his colony. Acting on 
his advice the committee appointed to prepare the draft 
presented the Pennsylvania constitution as a model. 

AVhile the convention had it under consideration, the 
news was brought tliat Ticonderoga had fallen into the 
hands of the British. This was, indeed, a cause for alarm, 
for their frontier was now exposed to the ravages of the 
enemy, and many of their families were in danger. On 
receiving this intelligence and also Warner's appeal for aid, 
some of the members were for breaking up the convention 
at once and returning to tlieir homes for the protection of 
their families; but, a furious thunder-storm coming up just 



138 VEKMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

at that time prevented this; and making good use of their 
time, they considered and adopted one by one the articles 
of the constitution while the storm raged without. By 
evening the work was completed ; the Pennsylvania model 
had been adopted with a few important changes, notable 
among which was the prohibition of slavery, Vermont 
thus being the first State to insert this in her constitu- 
tion. 

The building in which this memorable meeting was 




Old Constitution House at Windsor. 



held is still standing. At this same convention a Council 
of Safety, with Thomas Chittenden as its presidentj had 
been appointed to govern the new State until a suitable 
government could be organized. Provision had also been 
made for an election of State officers the following Decem- 
ber and for a meeting of the Legislature in January. 
Owing to the excitement occasioned by Burgoyne's invasion, 



THE REVOLUTION 139 

both the election and the meeting of the Legislature were 
postponed. 

But so much for the political history of Vermont for 
the year 1777. We will now take up the story of the in- 
vasion of General Burgoyne, who succeeded Carleton on 

the latter's return to Canada. 

♦ 
Note. — The long-lost original records of the conventions mentioned 

in this eluipt'er have recently been discovered l)y Senator Proctor in the 

congressional library at Washington, and through his efforts have been 

turned over to the State of Vermont. 



CHAPTER XVI 

BEITISH ADVANCE — THEIR VICTORIES 

The British Plan. — The British now phiimed to subdue 
the colonies in a single campaign, by concerted action ; and 
great preparations were going on during the winter and 
spring for its accomplishment. If they could but gain 
complete control of the Cliamplain-Hudson Valley, estab- 
lishing a line of forts from the St. Lawrence River to New 
York Bay, and thus preventing New England, the head of 
the rebellion, from joining her forces with those beyond the 
Hudson, they felt that victory would be theirs. Burgoyne 
was confident that this could be done, and the plan decided 
on was this : 

Burgoyne was to advance up Lake Champlain, take 
Ticonderoga, and then press forward to the Hudson, with 
the expectation that General Howe's army would meet 
him there, having accomplished a similar work on the 
Hudson. At the same time another British expedition, 
consisting partly of Iroquois Indians, was to start out from 
Oswego and unite with Burgoyne on the Hudson, having 
opened the way to a fertile section of New York from which 
Burgoyne hoped to gain vast quantities of supplies for his 
forces. Tlie i)lan was an admirable one, but did it work ? 

Through some delay Howe failed to receive his instruc- 
tions, until about the time that the British were being 
defeated at Bennington, and he was then about to enter 
Chesapeake Bay and far from the scene of conflict ; the 

140 



THE REVOLUTION Ul 

Oswego expedition failed utterly to iiccomplish its mission ; 
and of liurgoyne we are about to hear. 

Burgoyne's Advance ; American Defenses. — Late in 
June (1777) Burgoyne, with an aggregate number of 10,000 
strong, neared Ticonderoga ; and, on the first day of July, 
came to anchor just out of range of its guns. 

Perceiving the designs of the British, some efforts were 
made to strengthen Ticonderoga, which position had been 
connected with Mt. Independence by means of a floating 
bridge, consisting of twenty-two sunken piers joined by 
floats, the lake at this point being scarcely more than a 
half mile wide. This bridge was to have been protected 
by a boom of huge timbers, fastened together by bolts and 
chains ; but this was not completed when Burgoyne made 
his advance. 

Towering above and within easy range of both Ticon- 
deroga and Mt. Independence was Mt. Defiance, from 
whose summit every approach by land or water was plainly 
visible. The desirability of fortifying this point was now 
discussed by the Americans, but was given up on account of 
the difficulty of raising the necessary ordnance up the steep 
and rugged mountain sides, and because of the fact that 
General St. Clair, who had superseded General Gates, to gar- 
rison the entire works, had little more than 3,000 effective 
men, and could ill afford to spare the men for the purpose. 

St. Clair's one hope was that the over-confident Bur- 
goyne might choose to assault rather than besiege his 
position ; an assault he thought he might be able to with- 
stand, but he well knew tliat he would not be able to sus- 
tain a regular siege. What course Burgoyne would pursue 
was a question whose answer was anxiously awaited by the 
garrison. 



142 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

Evacuation of the Forts. — Colonel Warner luid been sent 
by General St. Clair to gather reenforcenients ; and, on July 
5, he arrived at Ticondoroga with a force of 900 men, 
mostly Vermonters. The British had at pnce recognized 
the importance of Mt. Defiance, had scaled its precipitous 
sides, and were now upon its ])ald summit, where their red 
coats were plainly visible, as they hurried to aud fro in the 
construction of a battery. It was evident to St. Clair that 
Burgoyne meant to besiege him. Calling a council of his 
officers, he discussed with tliem the situation. Since there 
was no prospect of their being able to dislodge the enemy 
from this post, it was decided that their only safety was in 
immediate evacuation, St. Clair hoped to be able to do this 
in the night, unobserved by the enemy ; and at once began 
making preparations to accomplisli it. 

Baggage and stores were, as soon as possible, embarked 
in bateaux for Skenesboro, with such of the garrison as 
were sick and unfit for the march. By two o'clock on the 
morning of July 6 all was in readiness and the army moved 
out of Ticonderoga, hastily crossed the floating bridge, and 
by three o'clock the garrison of Mt, Independence was also 
on the move. A French officer of the garrison, wishing 
to destroy what he could not save, foolishly set fire to his 
house, by the light of which the evacuation was revealed to 
the English soldiers on Mt, Defiance. The British imme- 
diately commenced pursuit; and. the Americans, thrown 
into confusion by the knowledge of their discovery, fled in 
great disorder. 

The American army was intending to go to Skenesboro 
by the way of Castleton and there join the fleet. When 
they reached llubbardton, they halted for a rest of about 
two hours. Here Colonel Warner was put in command of 



THE REVOLUTION U3 

the rear guard, which consisted of his own regiment and 
those of Colonels Francis of Massachusetts and Hale of New 
Hampshire ; and for tlie second time was committed to him 
the covering of a retreat. The main army then went on to 
Castleton ; and Warner was ordered to remain at Hubbard- 
ton till all, who, in the disorderly retreat, had strayetj away, 
should come up, and then to follow a mile and a half in the 
rear of the main army. 

The Battle of Hubbardton. — All through the day. Eraser, 
followed by General Itiedesel, kejjt up a hot pursuit ; and, 
at nightfall, learning that the Americans were only a short 
distance in advance, he ordered a lialt till morning. At 
daybreak, July 7, Eraser again pushed forward, and at five 
o'clock made an attack upon the Americans, who were en- 
camped on a ridge in the east part of Hubbardton. Colonel 
Hale, fearful of the result, withdrew at the beginning of the 
contest, and left Eraiicis and Warner to sustain the attack. 

Massachusetts men and Vermont men fought side by side 
with great bravery. At almost every shot, so sure was their 
aim, a redcoat fell. At first the advantage was with the 
Americans ; but when Riedesel with his Hessians came up 
the tide turned. H was now an uneven contest of 2,000 
against 800. The brave Colonel Erancis fell mortally 
wounded. His troops fled to the woods, and finally joined 
the main army at Eort St. Edward where they had retreated, 
finding that Skenesboro had become occupied by the enemy 
before their arrival. Warner, collecting most of his men, 
retreated to Manchester. Hale fell in with a detachment 
of the British and immediately surrendered to them with- 
out making any resistance. The arms taken from Hale's 
men were stacked in the woods, as the British had no means 

of transportation. 
11 



144 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

The loss of the Americans vviis thirty Ivillecl and nearly 
300 wounded or prisoners ; the loss of the British, killed 
and wounded, 183. This was the only battle of the Revolu- 
tion fought on Vermont soil. A monument now marks the 
spot where Colonel Fi-ancis fell. 

The Effect of the Fall of Ticonderoga on the People 
of Western Vermont. — The fall of Ticonderoga, naturally 
enough, created a great panic among the settlers of western 
Vermont, exposed as they were to the ravages of a hostile 
army. 

Burgoyne had sent out a proclamation inviting all who 
would to join his standard ; he offered protection to the 
neutral ; but upon the rebellious he threatened to tnrn loose 
his Indian allies. In spite of this warning most of the Ver- 
monters remained true to the patriot cause. A few only 
took the opportunity offered to go over to the British ; and 
fewer still sought the protection of the British army. Those 
who did so were afterward known as " Protectioners." 

All exposed farms in this section were abandoned. The 
occupants, loading as many of their goods as possible into 
carts and upon the backs of their horses, drove their flocksbe- 
fore them to the older settlements at the south of them. By 
the time Bnrgoyne had reached the Hudson, very few fami- 
lies were left north of the present County of Bennington. 

Hubbardton, whose population consisted of but nine 
families, was raided by a party of Tories and Indians under 
the command of Captain Sherwood. Most of the men were 
taken prisoners, their homes plundered, and their wives and 
children left to starve or to make their way through the 
forests to their friends in the older settlements. 

The Story of the Churchills.— Mr. Samuel Churchill 
and family lived about two miles from Warner's camp in 



THE REVOLUTION 145 

Hubbardtoii. On the morning of the battle Warner sent 
a detachment of 300 men to warn Mr. Chnrchillof his dan- 
ger and help him get away with his family. Unfortunately 
the battle began so soon after they learned of their danger 
that it was impossible for them to escape ; and Mr. Church- 
ill, with three of his sons, was taken prisoner and his home 
was plundered. 

The rest of his family, consisting of four women and 
four children, were left to look out for themselves. To re- 
main there was to starve, for the enemy had made a clean 
sweep of all kinds of provisions. They dared not go south 
to Castleton, for they knew that the Tories and the Indians 
had gone in that direction ; so taking two horses and what 
baggage was left them they traveled directly east to Pitts- 
ford on the Otter Creek. From there they took the mili- 
tary road to Charlestown and then followed down the Con- 
necticut River to Springfield, Mass. Turning westward 
they again crossed the Green Mountains and finally arrived 
at Sheffield in southwestern Massachusetts, having been on 
the way for about three weeks. 

Mr. Churchill was taken to Ticonderoga, where he 
made his escape after a few weeks and returned to Ilub- 
bardton, to find his family gone, he knew not whither. 
Hoping for the best, he quickly made his way on foot to 
Sheffield, where, to his intense relief and happiness, he 
found his family safe in the care of friends. The danger 
past, in about a year they returned to Hubbard ton to renew 
that life which hud been so unceremoniously broken off. 

Burgoyne's Advance. — While Eraser and Riedesel were 
pursuing the Americans by land, Burgoyne was giving chase 
to the flotilla on the lake. By nine o'clock on the morning 
of the evacuation of the forts, the unfinished boom and 



14G VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 



floating bridge had been cut asunder. Hardly had the 
Americans reached Skenesboro when the British were upon 
them. Having no eifectual means of defense, the Ameri- 
cans quickly abandoned their vessels, after blowing up three 
of them. They then made their way to Fort Anne, and 

thence to Fort Ed- 
ward on the Hud- 
son, wh ere they 
joined the main 
army under Schuy- 
ler. Burgoyne had 
advanced to the 
head of the lake 
meeting almost no 
resistance, but he 
had well-nigh 
reached his limit. 
Even when all 
the scattered 
troops had come in, 
Schuyler's army 
did not exceed 
4,400 men. Un- 
able to do any- 
thing more effec- 
tual, Schuyler's 
army now began 
tearing down 
bridges and felling trees across the roads and creeks to 
delay the pursuing army as much as possible. On his way 
to Fort Edward, Burgoyne was obliged to rebuild forty 
bridges, and had so much difficulty in clearing the way that 




■oe/>eMO£nce 



Map showing the region of Burgoyne's 
invasion. 



THE DEVOLUTION 147 

it is said he traveled at times but one mile in twenty-four 
hours. 

The Americans now evacuated Fort Edward, retreating 
in the direction of Albany. Burgoyne established himself 
on the Hudson on July 30, believing that a safe and easy 
passage might now be made to Albany ; and here we will 
leave him and see what was at this time going on in the 
Green Mountain State. 



CHAPTER XVII 

BRITISH LOSSES — THEIR RETREAT 

Work of the Council of Safety. — Safely and firmly did 
the Council of Safety hold the reins of government through 
these trying times, assuming all its powers, executive, leg- 
islative, and judicial, until a constitutional government was 
organized. The most active members of this council were 
Thomas Chittenden, president ; Jonas Fay, vice-president ; 
Ira Allen (youngest brother of Ethan Allen), secretary; 
and several others, an>ong whom were Heman Allen (also 
a brother of Ethan Allen) and Moses Robinson. 

It was now necessary that vigorous efforts should be 
made to protect the State from the ravages of the enemy ; 
and the council proved themselves equal to the emergency. 
Under their direction, the officers of the militia were or- 
dered to raise as many men as possible to oppose the enemy. 
Such of the militia as could be collected were placed at 
Manchester under Warner to repel a body of the enemy who 
had been stationed at Castleton, should they choose to ad- 
vance in that direction. They also made a most earnest 
appeal to Massachusetts and New Hampshire to forward 
troops to their assistance as soon as possible. 

From the first there were some Tories in Vermont; and 
when Burgoyne made his advance up the lake, others placed 
themselves under his standard. Some of these were men 
of hitherto good standing among the grantees, and many 
of them possessed valuable property. Aside from the mi- 

148 



THE HEVOLUTIOX 



149 



litia a volunteer force was necessary to protect the frontier 
and also to keep strict watch of the Tory element among 
them. As the infant State possessed no funds to raise such 
a force, the Council of Safety now resolved that the prop- 
erty of all those who had gone over to the enemy should 
be seized and sold to raise the necessary funds. By this 
means a regiment of rangers was soon organized a7id 
put under the command of Colonel Samuel Herrick. In 
his history of Vermont, Ira Al- 
len says, ''This was the first 
instance in America of seizing 
and selling the property of the 
enemies of American Independ- 
ence." This, however, was done 
in all the States afterward. 

Stark's Army. — On the ap- 
peal of the Council of Safety, 
the New Hampshire assembly 
at once ordered into service a 
brigade of militia under John 
Stark, and as rapidly as possi- 
ble sent men from Charlestown to join Colonel Warner at 
Manchester. Stark himself with about 800 men marched 
over the military road which he had helped to open, 
encamping at Peru, where in the year 1900 a fitting monu- 
ment was erected to mark his camping-place. The militia 
from the country about had been flocking to Manchester ; 
and when Stark descended the mountains and arrived at 
that place the combined forces numbered 1,400 strong. 
Warner, leaving the remnant of his regiment, which now 
numbered only about 130, with Colonel Safford at Man- 
chester, went on with Stark to Bennington. Stark now 




John Stark. 



150 VERMONT FOR YOUXG VERMONTERS 

made the most of his time organizing and drilling his forces, 
while scouts scoured the country about for information con- 
cerning the movements of the enemy. These measures for 
defense were taken none too soon. 

Cause of the Battle of Bennington. — It was Burgoyne's 
design to attack Albany as soon as he could obtain the 
needed supplies. Provisions for his army were getting 
scarce, and fresh supplies must either be obtained from the 
enemy or brought from Montreal. He much preferred the 
former means of supplying his need ; and learning that 
the Americans had collected at Bennington a quantity of 
such stores as he needed, he resolved to send a force to 
seize them. 

First Battle. — Hearing of the arrival of a party of In- 
dians at Cambridge, N. Y., Stark sent a force of 200 men 
to oppose them. Learning from a messenger that they 
were the advance guard of a much greater force, that was 
closely following and was on its way to Bennington to seize 
the stores there, Stark promptly sent a messenger to Man- 
chester to summon Warner's men and called all the militia 
of that vicinity to come to his assistance. 

On the next day, August 14, he advanced toward 
the enemy. At the same time a British force consisting of 
500 Hessians, 100 Indians, and a number of Canadians and 
Tories, under the command of Colonel Baum, was advan- 
cing toward Bennington. When Colonel Baum had come 
within six or seven miles of Bennington, he came upon 
Stark, who, halting, formed in line. This brought Colonel 
Baum to a standstill. Finding that Bennington was 
guarded by a much larger force than he had anticipated, he 
decided not to make an immediate attack ; and halting in 
a commanding position, he began to throw up intrench- 



THE EEVOLUTION 151 

ments, sending at tlie same time to notify Bnrgoyne of 
his position. 

Stark called a council of war by whom it was decided 
that an attack ought to be made before the British had 
time for reenforcement ; and by the advice of Warner and 
others, Stark ordered his men to be in readiness to make 
the attack on the following morning. To his disappoint- 
ment, the day was too rainy to admit of active military 
operations ; but while waiting, both parties to the con- 
test were busy, the British in strengthening their in- 
trenchments, aiul Stark with his officers and the Council 
of Safety in 2)lanning a line of action. During the day 
Stark was reenforced by several hundred militia from west- 
ern Massachusetts, who had come in through the drench- 
ing rain, eager for service. 

On August IG, the day being favorable, Stark ad- 
vanced toward the British. He had divided his force, 
now numbering 1,G00, so as to attack the enemy on all 
sides at the same time. By three o'clock in the after- 
noon the attacking columns had arrived at their allotted 
stations Avithout attracting the attention of the enemy, 
who had kept close within their intrenchments. Directly 
a firing was heard in the rear of the British. This was 
the signal for assault ; and the Americans rushed forward. 
Stark and Warner with the larger force attacking the 
front, and the remaining force, among which Avere Herrick 
and his rangers, the rear. 

Baum's Indians fled at the first fire. The battle now 
raged for two hours; and, although the British sustained 
the attack with great ])ravery, they were at length over- 
powered, and nearly all taken prisoners. Among the 
prisoners was Colonel Baum himself, who was mortally 



152 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 




wounded and who died a few days later. Stark 
liad borne a part in the battles of Bunker Hill, 
Trenton, and Princeton, and yet he declared 
that this was the hottest he had ever seen, and 
was like one continual clap of thunder. 

Second Battle. — Scarcely was the first battle 
ended and the prisoners, under guard, started 
off for Bennington, when a second body of 
Britisli troops, nearly as large as Colonel Baum's, 
came up. They were commanded by Colonel 
Breyman, who had been stationed within easy 
distance and who had now been sent to reen- 
force Colonel Baum. As the American forces 
had become scattered, they Avere ill -prepared to 
meet fresh troops ; but, by rare good fortune, 
just at this critical moment, Warner's veterans 
came marching from Manchester, and proved 
a most effectual oft'set to Burgoyne's German 
troops. They had been well equipped by the 
recovery of the arms of Colonel Hale's men, 
which had been stacked in the Avoods after the 
battle of Hubbardton ; and, although few in 
numbers, they were a host in courage, and 
promptly took a position in front, covering the 
confusion of the militia, who now came hurry- 
ing in and forming into line in the rear. 

A second severe battle ensued, which lasted 
till sunset, ending in the utter defeat of the 
British and their hasty retreat. The Americans 
followed them until they could no longer see, 
and would have captured the entire force if the retreat 
had not been covered by the darkness of the night. In his 



Colonel 
Baum's 
sword 
(taken by 
the Amer- 
icans at 
Benning- 
ton.) 



THE EEVOLUTIOX 153 

report of tlie battle, Stark said that with one more hour of 
daylight they would have captured the whole body. 

Losses to the Enemy. — In the two engagements the 
enemy lost four cannon and 1,000 muskets. Over 200 
of their men were left dead on the field, and about 750 




Two of the cannon captured at lk'nniiii;ton. 

were wounded or taken prisoners. The American loss 
was thirty killed and forty wounded. Two of the cap- 
tured cannon are now at the State House in Montpelier, 
bearing this inscription: "Taken from the Germans at 
Bennington Aug. IC, 1:77. '*' 

Influence of this Victory. — This victory had a very in- 



154 VERMO^sT FOR YOUNG VERMOXTERS 



sj^iriiing effect on the whole country, and was equally dis- 
heartening to the British, It was the first real check Bur- 
goyne had received on his march southward, and led the 
wa,y, if it were not actually necessary, to the disasters that 
soon followed the British cause. 

Why Called the Battle of Benning^ton. — This battle did 
not'actually occur on Vermont soil, but just across the line 

in Iloosick, N. Y. It was, 
however, a battle directed 
against Bennington for the 
})urpose of obtaining the 
stores collected there ; and 
so has always been known 
as the battle of Bennington. 
The event has been fit- 
tingly commemorated by a 
monument at Bennington 
Center on the site of the 
continental storehouse 
which the invading army 
came to capture. Near by 
is the site of the Catamount 
Tavern in which was the 
Council Chamber where 
the Vermont Council of 
Safety held its sessions. This is also appropriately marked 
by a life-sized bronze catamount surmounting a massive 
block of green granite. 

Lincoln's Raid ; Burgoyne's Surrender. — After the bat- 
tle of Bennington, Lincolu, wdio commanded a body of New 
England militia, worked industriously collecting and or- 
ganizing the militia at j\Ianchester, until he had a force of 




Catamount Monument. 

On the site of the old Catamount 

Tavern at Bennington. 




Benninffton Rattle Monument. 



156 VERMONT FOR YOUXG VERMOXTERS 

2,000 strong. Unknown to Gutes, who liud succeeded 
Geneml Schuyler, he determined to make au attempt to re- 
capture Ticonderoga and its outposts, and thus cut off Bur- 
goyne's communications with Canada. Dividing liis force 
into detachments, he was successful in destroying the stores 
at the head of Luke George, taking 300 British prisoners, 
releasing 100 captives, who had been taken at the battle of 
Ilubbardton, and in capturing a large number of English 
boats on the hike. 

In these captures Colonel Ilerrick's rangers bore apromi- 
nent part. Ebenezer Allen, also a Vermonter, scaled the 
heights of Mt. Defiance and dislodged the enemy. General 
Lincoln himself, with about 700 men, was about to march 
to Fort Edward, when he received an urgent request from 
General Gates to join him at once. He accordingly gave 
up his own plans, and, accompanied by Colonel Warner and 
his continental regiment, hastened to reeuforce Gates. 

The British army was now at Saratoga, ill-supplied with 
provisions, and unable to retreat or to advance. After 
fighting two ineffectual battles near by, Burgoyne, despair- 
ing of relief, surrendered to General Gates, October 17, 
1777, an army reduced to less than G,000 able-bodied men. 

The Evacuation of Ticonderoga. — When the news of 
Burgoyne's surrender reached Ticonderoga, the garrison 
made quick prejoarations to evacuate, burning barracks and 
houses at Ticonderoga and Mt. Lidependence, and sinking 
boats and breaking or spiking their cannon. Close in their 
pursuit followed Ebenezer Allen with fifty of Ilerrick's 
rangers, striking a blow at every opportunity. He rescued 
forty-nijie prisoners, captured quantities of stores, three 
boats, and many horses and oxen. Among his prisoners 
was a slave named Dinah Mattis and her child, whom he 



THE REVOLUTIOX 157 

afterward set free, after having obtained the permission of 
the Green Mountain Boys to do so. No longer having the 
British army as a menace on their left, the Green Mountain 
Boys returned to their homes in season to save some of their 
crops to sustain them through the severe Vermont Avinter. 

A Plucky Woman. — To those who braved the perils of 
frontier life rather than flee to places of greater safety in 
times of danger, came many sad but interesting experiences. 
Tliey were constantly exjDosed to the depredations of the 
Indians ; but as the red men seldom troubled the women 
and children, it was customary for the men of a settlement 
to flee to the woods on the approach of the Indian and there 
remain in hiding until the work of plunder was over. At 
one time a party of Indians approached the house of a Mr. 
Stone, one of the first settlers of Bridport. They were 
discovered by Mrs. Stone in season to give her time to throw 
some of the things she valued out of a back window, con- 
ceal others about her jierson, and sit down to her carding 
before they entered. Suspecting that she was concealing 
something in her clothing, an Indian attempted to search 
her, whereupon she gave him a sharp slap in the face with 
the teeth side of her card. Spirit in man or woman was 
much admired by the Indians, and thereupon an old Indian 
broke into a loud laugh and cried, " Good squaw ! good 
squaw I " and she was not again molested. 

Another instance of the indomitable courage of Mrs, 
Stone is shown in the following : After the capture of 
Burgoyne and about tJiree weeks before the evacuation of 
Ticonderoga by the British, Mr, Stone was taken prisoner 
by the British and carried to Ticonderoga, Expecting that 
he would be sent to Quebec, and knowing that he lacked 
suitable clothing, Mrs. Stone rowed a distance of twelve 



15S VERMONT FOR YOUXG VERMOKTERS 

miles to see him witli no other company thtin a brother ten 
years of age. Slie had left two children, the older but four 
yeai's of age, in the house alone. Not being able to gain 
admission to the fort till morning, she was obliged to remain 
over night. Anxiously returning to her home the next day 
she was much relieved to find botli her little ones safe, the 
elder, with spirit akin to that of her mother, having bravely 
assumed the protection and care of the younger. 



CHAPTER XVIII 

STATE GOVEEKMEKT — FIRST GOVERNOR — RETURN OF 
ETHAN" ALLEN 

Vermont's Condition for the next Five Years. — The 

year 1777 practically ended the war, as far as Vermont was 
concerned ; for, after that time, the Green Mountain Boys 
were not brought into active service. Early in the year 
1778 the regular troops stationed at Albany were ordered 
to the south, thus leaving the inhabitants of Vermont to 
their own protection. For five years, or till the end of the 
war, the inhabitants of the northern and western frontiers 
were constantly menaced by hostile Indians, who, instigated 
by the British in Canada, often invaded the Green Moun- 
tain State for the purpose of 2)lunder, killing or carrying 
into captivity her inhabitants. Neither was there any 
protection against the British army in Canada. For these 
reasons it was not safe for the inhabitants of the State to 
lay down their arms ; and so military organizations were 
kept up and constantly strengthened, and the frontier pro- 
tected on the north and west by forts from which scouting 
parties Avere sent out to watch the movements of the enemy 
and report if danger were apprehended. These circum- 
stances greatly retarded the establishment of townships to 
the north, especially along the French and Indian road, 
which was much frequented by the enemy. 

But Vermont, if not actually engaged in fighting the 
British, was by no means at peace. Her internal govern- 
12 169 



160 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

ment, her relations to the neigliboring States, to Congress, 
and to the British forces in Canada, for the next five years, 
will now be considered. 

State Government Organized. — On the first Tuesday in 
March, 1778, the first election of State officers, under the 
constitution, was held. On the twelfth of the same month 
the Legislature convened in the Old Constitution House at 
Windsor ; and this first meeting of the General Assembly 
was indeed a memorable one. 

After organizing, the votes for Governor were counted, 
and it was found that Thomas Chittenden had been chosen 
by a large majority. As no one had obtained a majority of 
the votes for Lieutenant-Governor or Treasurer, Colonel 
Joseph Marsh, of Hartford, was chosen by the Legislature 
for the former office, and Ira Allen for the latter. 

At this session the State was divided into two counties : 
Cumberland, east ; and Bennington, west of the moun- 
tains. Each county had two shires. Those of Bennington 
were Bennington and Rutland ; and those of Cumberland, 
Westminster and Newbury. 

At this meeting also, sixteen towns east of Connecticut 
River applied for admission into the new State ; with what 
result we shall learn later on. 

One of the most important measures considered was 
that in relation to the disposition of the Tory lands. As 
has been previously stated, the Council of Safety had the 
year before seized and sold the personal property of such 
as had gone over to the enemy ; they had also leased some 
of their farms for a limited time, but had as yet made no 
further disposal of them. It was now voted that it should 
be left to the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor and Council 
to effect their sale, the proceeds to be paid into the treasury 



THE REVOLUTION 161 

of the State. It is said that the estates of 1G2 persons 
residing on the west side of the mountains were ordered 
to be confiscated and sold. It may be well to add here 
that the income derived from this source was sufficient 
for some time to cover the greater portion of the State ex- 
penses. After continuing in session for two weeks, the 
Legislature adjourned to meet at Bennington the follow- 
ing June. 

The Constitution. — The constitution, as adopted in the 
July convention of 1777, consisted of three parts ; namely, 
the preamble, a declaration of rights, and the plan of 
government. The preamble gave the reasons for Ver- 
mont's declaring herself an independent State, but this 
did not long remain a part of the constitution. The dec- 
laration of rights, as its name indicates, was a statement 
of the just rights of the inhabitants of the State. The 
plan of government was a statement of the laws themselves, 
and consisted of forty-three parts. To these have since 
been added amendments. Throughout, the instrument 
breathed of the spirit of freedom, and was in tone moral, 
liberal, and manly. 

The constitution declared that the government of the 
State should be vested in a Governor (or Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor), a Council of twelve members, and an Assembly of 
representatives. It also provided that courts of justice 
should be maintained in every county in the State, and 
that a council of censors, thirteen in number, should be 
chosen every seven years, their term of office to last one 
year. 

Duties of Departments. — The entire legislative power 
was vested in a single house, the House of Representatives, 
instead of a House and Senate as at the present time. The 



162 VEEMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMONTEES 

representatives were chosen by ballot annually, each town 
being entitled to one representative, and towns having 
more than eighty taxable inhabitants to two. Seven years 
afterward the rule of the present day, one representative 
and no more for each town, was established. 

The executive authority was vested in a Governor, 
Lieutenant-Governor, and twelve Councilors, elected also 
annually by the freemen of the State. They could advise 
but had not the vetoing power. However, they often 
proved a strong check upon hasty and unwise legislation ; 
for all bills passed by the House had to be laid before the 
Governor and Council for approval before they could be- 
come laws ; and that body might, if they wished, propose 
amendments, and had also the power, if it did not meet 
their approval, to order a bill to be left over till the next 
session of the Legislature. Sucli bills must then be printed 
and circulated before the people ; and, if the people did 
not ajoprove of them, it was their right to send rei^resenta- 
tives to the next Assembly who should carry out their 
wishes. In case of an emergency, temporary acts might 
be passed without delay. Bills could originate in the 
Council as well as in the House of Eepresentatives ; and, 
in case there was a disagreement, the measure was discussed 
in a joint assembly, on which occasion the Governor pre- 
sided. But when it came to voting on the measure, that 
privilege was accorded to the House alone. 

The framers of the constitution, realizing that the 
plan of government which they had adopted would not be 
sufficient to meet the needs of the people when their con- 
ditions should change, as they must in future years, made 
provision to have the constitution examined and revised 
every seven years. They provided that a council of censors 



THE REVOLUTION 163 

should be chosen every seven years, whose duty it should be 
to inquire whether in the last seven years the constitution 
had been preserved inviolate ; whether the State officers 
had been faithful in the discharge of their duties ; whether 
the laws which had been passed had been right and just ; 
whether the public taxes had been justly laid and collected ; 
and also to investigate the manner in wliicli the public 
moneys had been expended. If, in their opinion, unjust 
laws had been passed, they might recommend to the House 
of Representatives their repeal, and might also propose 
amendments to the constitution, and call conventions to 
adopt or reject such proposals. 

The second council of censors proposed that the legis- 
lative power be vested in a Senate as well as a House of 
Representatives, and succeeding councils repeated the pro- 
posal from time to time, only to be rejected in conven- 
tion until years afterward, when the measure was finally 
adopted. 

Governor Chittenden. — The people of Vermont made no 
mistake in choosing Thomas Chittenden Governor of the 
new State. He was a man preeminently fitted by nature 
and training for the work before him. 

In the year 1774 he had moved his family (a wife and 
ten children) and all his effects from Connecticut to the 
town of Williston, on the Winooski, where he had bought a 
large tract of fertile land for a farm. He was a pioneer in 
every sense of the word, and fully realized the privations 
and dangers of such a life ; for at the time of his coming 
there were only a few families north of Rutland. 

He built a log liouse, but had scarcely got well estab- 
lished when the retreat of tlie Americans from Canada left 
the western settlers in such danger from the invasion of 



164 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 



the enemy that Thomas Chittenden was obliged to remove 
his family to a place of safety. Having sunk all the heavy 
pieces of ironware in a duck-pond, he and his family 
started south on foot, guided only by blazed trees, and 
carrying their household goods upon the backs of two 
horses. ■ They lived among friends for a time and then 
went to Arlington, residing there upon a farm formerly 

owned by a Mr. HaAvley, a 
Tory, whose property had 
been confiscated. Here they 
remained until some time after 
the close of the war, when 
they returned to their old 
home in Williston. While in 
Arlington Governor Chitten- 
den was a near neighbor of 
Ethan Allen ; and to this day 
an old well d ug by E than Allen 
is pointed out to the tourist. 
Governor Chittenden was 
tall and athletic, had calm, 
strong features, natural insight, a kind heart, ready sym- 
pathy for his fellow men, great common sense, remarkable 
tact, and great strength of purpose. Without seeming to 
force them, he usually carried his points. 

He had been an influential man in Connecticut; and 
very soon after coming to the grants, gained distinction for 
himself among the stalwart Green Mountain Boys. Simple 
in his own habits, he enjoined upon the inhabitajits of the 
State industry and frugal living ; and he himself for several 
years after he became Governor lived in a log house without 
once thinking that he needed a better one. 




Thomas Chittenden. 



THE REVOLUTION 



165 



He served the State as Governor altogether eighteen 
years, resigning then on account of declining health. He 
passed away that very year (1797), universally loved and 
respected. 

Origin of the State Seal. — In Ira Allen's account-book, 
bearing the date of October 26, 1778, we find a charge of 
£1 for two days' work at Windsor, drawing a plan for a 
State seal and employing a Mr. Dean to make it. In a 
copy of the Vermont Historical Magazine we learn where 
Allen got his idea. 

While Governor Chittenden was living at Arlington, 
an English lieutenant who used secretly to bring letters to 
the Governor, 
was there at 
one time sev- 
eral days, 
sparking the 
Governor's 
hired girl. Be- 
ing something 
of an artist, 
he engraved 
the scene from 
his window on 
one of the 
Governo r's 
cups (made 
from a section 
of a horn and 

bottomed with wood). This engraving attracted the notice 
of Ira Allen, who adopted the device, with some changes, 
for the State seal. In the original the cow was reaching 




State seal. 



166 vermo:nt for young vermontees 

over a fence trying to get at the grain ; but when Allen 
took hold of it, he brought the cow over the fence into the 
grain-field. 

The device of this seal has since undergone several 
variations, and now bears no very close resemblance to the 
original. The mountains in the present design are Mans- 
field and Camels Hump, as seen from Lake Champlain. 
The cow, the pine-tree, and the wheat-sheaves are still seen 
upon the State seal ; but the pine and wheat, at least, can 
no longer be considered as significant of her products. 
Around the landscape in a circular border are the words 
"Vermont" and "Freedom and Unity," the latter the 
State motto. 

The Return of Ethan Allen. — Early in the summer of 
1778 Ethan Allen returned to Bennington, having been 
released on exchange. He was gaunt and worn by his suf- 
ferings, but unsubdued in sj)irit and as loyal to his country 
as ever. The people thronged to greet him, and, bringing 
forth an old cannon, thundered a welcome salute of thirteen 
guns for the United States and one for the infant State of 
Vermont. 

After his exchange, Allen visited the American cam]) 
at Valley Forge, where he was associated with Washington. 
The tribute which that great man paid him in a letter to 
the president of Congress is here quoted in part : "I have 
been happy in the exchange and a visit from Lieutenant- 
Colonel Allen. His fortitude and firmness seem to have 
placed him out of the reach of misfortune. There is an 
original something in him that commands admiration, and 
his long captivity and sufferings have only served to in- 
crease, if possible, his enthusiastic zeal." 

On the advice of General Washington, Congress con- 



THE REVOLUTION 167 

ferred upon Allen a brevet commission of colonel. Allen 
took no active part in military service for the United 
States after his return, believing that his services were 
needed by his struggling State. He was made brigadier- 
general of tbe Vermont militia, holding that office till 1780, 
when he resigned in consequence of having been falsely 
accused of traitorous correspondence with the enemy. 
He was of great service to his State in his own rough way 
until his death, which occurred at his home in Burlington 
in 1789, two years before Vermont was admitted into the 
Union. 

However justly he may be criticized for his rough and 
oftentimes overbearing manner, there is much in his his- 
tory to commend him to our favor. About two years 
after his return from captivity, an incident occurred which 
well illustrates his large-heartedness and untiring persever- 
ance. 

The Babes in the Woods. — In the spring of 1780 two 
little daughters of Eldad Taylor, of Sunderland, aged seven 
and four years, wandered into the woods and were lost. A 
search party was quickly organized, of which Ethan Allen 
was a member ; and, after an unavailing search of three 
days, they were about to disband and return to their homes. 

At this Juncture, Ethan Allen mounted a stump, and, 
with tears rolling down his cheeks, pointed to the grief- 
stricken parents and appealed to the party to make the case 
of these parents their own, and urged that they make one 
more effort to save the dear little ones. The appeal had 
effect ; and the words, " I'll go ! I'll go ! " were heard 
throughout the assembly of several hundred men. In a 
few hours' time the lost children were found and restored 
to their overjoyed parents. 



CHAPTER XIX 

VERMONT MAINTAINS HER INDEPENDENCE — INTERNAL 
AND EXTERNAL RESISTANCE 

New Hampshire Towns annexed to the new Common- 
wealth. — It has previously been stated that, at the first 
meeting of the Legislature, sixteen New Hampshire towns 
applied for admission to the new State. At first there was 
little disposition on the part of Vermonters to listen to this 
petition. Most of the towns west of the mountains were 
greatly opposed to such union ; but many of those border- 
ing on the Connecticut strongly urged annexation, and 
threatened in case of refusal to unite with these suppliant 
towns in establishing a new State. 

One of the main arguments of the New Hampshire 
towns in favor of their right to join the new commonwealth 
was this : The province of New Hampshire, as originally 
granted to John Mason, extended only sixty miles inland ; 
all territory west of that, which had been added later, was 
by royal commission to the governors of that province. 
These commissions were no longer in force, now that the 
royal authority was overthrown ; and hence it was for the 
people of that section west of Mason's line to determine 
what government they should be under. 

So much pressure was brought to bear upon the Assem- 
bly that it determined to submit the question to the con- 
sideration of the people of the State, who should instruct 
their representatives what action to take in their next ses- 

168 



THE REVOLUTION 169 

sion, to be held in Bennington the following June. The 
.time between the two sessions was taken advantage of by 
securing the support of a majority of the representatives for 
this measure ; so that when that Assembly met, a large 
majority voted in favor of annexation. Then an act was 
passed authorizing the towns to elect representatives to the 
Assembly ; and it was further resolved that other towns 
might be admitted also, if they so desired. 

The Dissolution. — The New Hampshire Legislature pro- 
tested to Governor Chittenden against this union, and also 
appealed to Congress to interfere. To learn the views of 
Congress concerning this matter, Vermont despatched 
Ethan Allen to Philadelphia ; and there Allen became con- 
vinced that Congress viewed the action so unfavorably that 
it would at least be policy on the part of Vermont to re- 
trace her steps, if she desired to keep in the good graces of 
that body. Allen strongly recommended that the union be 
dissolved, and said that, in his opinion, if this were done, 
none of the members of Congress, except those from New 
York, would oppose Vermont's independence. Acting on 
his suggestion, the union was declared null and void in the 
early part of the following year (1779) ; but the act on the 
part of Vermont had been an unhappy one, for it aroused 
a feeling of unfriendliness on the part of New Hampshire, 
the ill effects of which lasted for many years. 

The Frontier Line. — As all continental troops had been 
withdrawn from Vermont, a feeling of insecurity prevailed 
among the inhabitants of the State. To guard against in- 
vasion they built and strengthened forts as the need pre- 
sented itself. In 1778 a stockade fort was built at Rutland 
and called Fort Ranger. This was strongly garrisoned and 
made the headquarters of the State forces, and from it scouts 



170 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

were constantly traversing the country to the northward. 
The next year forts Warner, at Pittsford, and Vengeance, at 
Castleton, were built and garrisoned by small forces. As the 
State was unable to guard an extended frontier, these three 
forts were constituted the frontier line of defense in western 
Vermont ; and the inhabitants north and west of this line 
were warned to remove their families to the south of it. 

On the east side of the mountains, forts were kept up 
for at least a part of the time at Newbury, Peacham, Cor- 
inth, Bethel, and Barnard, and at times in other places. 

An Underground Room. — A Mrs. Story, of Salisbury, 
who had already retreated to Pittsford several times during 
the Revolution, at length became tired of being disturbed. 
She, therefore, with the aid of a neighbor, a Mr. Stevens, 
prepared for herself and family a safe retreat. By digging 
a hole into a bank just above the water of the Otter Creek, 
an entrance was effected into a spacious underground room. 
This served as a sleeping-room for the family. The en- 
trance was covered by overhanging bushes ; and, as the 
family went to their lodgings in a canoe after dark at 
night, and left before light in the morning, strict secrecy 
was maintained. Mrs. Story and her underground room 
occupy a prominent place in Thompson's The Green 
Mountain Boys. 

Resistance in Cumberland County. — From the time the 
State government was organized, there were persons in 
the State who were opposed to its jurisdiction; and these 
were the most numerous in the southeastern part of the 
State, especially in the towns of Brattleboro, Halifax, and 
Guilford, the population of the last-named at that time 
numbering about three thousand and being the most 
populous town in the State. 



THE EEVOLUTION 171 

Drafting the militia for service, raising taxes, or ex- 
ercising any form of government under the authority of 
Vermont, met with serious opposition in that quarter. 
These towns had even gone so far as to form a militia, 
officered by men holding commissions under New York 
authority, for the purpose of opposing the State govern- 
ment, this being under the advice of Governor Clinton, of 
New York, who was quite lavish in his promises of pro- 
tection to those who still adhered to New York ; but it 
is safe to say, the protection never came except in the 
way of assurances. In some towns there were two sets of 
town officers, one professing allegiance to New York and 
the other to Vermont ; and there were frequent skirmishes 
between the two factions. 

It soon became apparent that, if Vermont were to 
maintain her authority, it would be necessary to put 
down such opposition ; and Ethan Allen was sent with 
troops to that part of the State. He accomplished his 
mission most successfully, arresting between thirty and 
forty persons, who were brought to trial as rioters and fined 
according to their influence as leaders of the opposition. 
For several years trouble from this quarter continued to 
exist ; and at times troops were sent to bring the offenders 
to subjection. Some of the leading offenders were ban- 
ished from the State, not to return on the penalty of death ; 
and many of their goods and estates were confiscated and 
sold to replenish the finances of the State. 

An Attempt to arrange a Settlement. — Incensed by 
these acts on the part of the Green Mountain Boys, Gov- 
ernor Clinton, of New York, begged the interposition of 
Congress. Accordingly a committee of five was appointed 
to visit Vermont and to inquire into the reason for the 



172 VEEMONT FOR YOUNG VEEMONTEES 

disturbances and arrange an amicable settlement, if pos- 
sible. Only two of the committee visited Vermont ; and 
as it required three to act, no report was ever made of the 
visit to Congress. 

Among other questions asked of Governor Chittenden 
by the committee was this : " If the lands were restored to 
you would you be willing to return under the jurisdiction 
of New York ? " Governor Chittenden answered as fol- 
lows : "We are in the fullest sense as unwilling to be 
under the jurisdiction of New York as we can conceive 
America would be to revert back under the powers of 
Great Britain." He also said that they would be willing 
to leave the settlement of their differences to Congress, if 
that body would give the Vermonters equal privileges with 
other States in supporting their cause. 

Three States claim the Whole or Portions of Vermont. 
— Encouraged by the fact that Vermont had relinquished 
her claim to the annexed towns, the New Hampshire As- 
sembly soon laid claim to the whole tract of land contained 
in Vermont and applied to Congress for a confirmation of 
her claim. New York also demanded of that body re- 
cognition of her title to the territory in question. It was 
firmly believed by many of Vermont's leading men that a 
plot was brewing between the two States to divide the 
bone of contention between them, making the Green 
Mountains the divisional line, as soon as Congress should 
decide in favor of New York, as it was strongly expected 
she would do. 

Just at this juncture Massachusetts interposed, setting 
up a claim to a portion of the State on an ancient grant of 
the Plymouth Company, but whether to thwart the pur- 
pose of New York and New Hampshire or to secure a 



THE EEVOLUTION 173 

portion of the disputed territory for herself, were it to be 
cut in pieces, is not known. 

Dispute before Congress. — Congress could not now well 
avoid noticing the matter, and that body earnestly recom- 
mended that the three claiming States should authorize 
Congress to determine their boundaries. This recommen- 
dation treated the entire matter as a dispute among the 
three States regarding their boundaries, recognizing no 
such power as the Vermont government. Naturally this 
did not please the Vermont people, who realized that they 
must either submit to the overthrow of their territory or 
support with firmness their independent jurisdiction. 
They determined upon the latter course. New York and 
New Hampshire agreed to comply with the recommen- 
dation of Congress; but Massachusetts neglected to do so, 
perhaps to prevent the sacrifice of Vermont ; at any rate, 
she later agreed to relinquish her claim on the condition 
that Congress should declare the independence of Vermont. 

Vermont enlightens the Public Mind. — The day for the 
hearing before Congress had been set for February 1, 1780. 
To further her cause Vermont made good use of her time 
in taking measures, to enlighten the public mind in regard 
to her right to independence. 

Ethan Allen prepared an elaborate pamphlet, which 
was signed by the Governor and Council, setting forth the 
cause of Vermont ; and Ira Allen was appointed by vote of 
the Assembly to visit the legislatures of several of the 
States, confer with their members, distribute the pamphlets 
among them, and thus produce a favorable impression of 
the just rights of Vermont to independence. He seems to 
have met with considerable success. 

The famous '^ Appeal to the Candid and Impartial 



174 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

World" was also published and circulated freely amoug 
influential men throughout the country. This was the 
production of Hon. Stephen Row Bradley, one of the best 
lawyers of that time, and was conceded to be a strong and 
able paper. After giving a fair statement of the claims of 
neighboring States and asserting the right of A^ermont to 
independence, it declared, among other things, that the 
State existed independently of the thirteen United States 
and was not accountable to them for liberty, the gift of 
the beneficent Creator alone ; that since Vermont was not 
represented in Congress, it could not submit to resolutions 
passed without its consent or even knowledge ; that after 
four years of war with Great Britain it would not give up 
everything worth fighting for, the right of making its own 
laws and choosing its own mode of government, to the 
decision of any man or body of men under heaven. 

Postponement of the Decision. — Jonas Fay, Moses Rob- 
inson, and Stephen Row Bradley were appointed by the 
State to be in attendance at Philadelphia in February, the 
time set by Congress to consider what disposition should be 
made of the disputed territory. 

Twice the subject was taken up during this session of 
Congress, but no decided action was taken upon it. On one 
pretext and another the settlement of the dispute was jjost- 
poned. It was evidently the policy of Congress to pacify, if 
possible, all parties while the war lasted, not deeming it wise 
to take steps in any direction for fear of incurring the enmity 
of the contesting States, needing as it did the co-operation 
of all in the greater struggle in which it was involved — that 
of the Revolution. This undoubtedly was the course most 
favorable to Vermont at that time, for it is not probable 
that a decision would then have been made in her favor. 



CHAPTEK XX 

EVENTS OF THE BURNING OF ROYALTON 

The Burning of Royalton. — In October, 1780, Major 
Carleton came up Lake Champlain with a fleet of eight ships 
and about 1,000 men. This invasion caused great alarm, 
but in reality meant little danger to the Vermonters ; the 
reason for which will be explained later on. Passing up 
the lake they took a few small forts and then returned to 
Canada. 

While this invasion was going on, a force of about 300 
men, all Indians except four, set out from Canada, with the 
avowed object of capturing a Lieutenant Whitcomb, at 
Newbury, who, several years before, while scouting on the 
Eichelieu, had killed and robbed a British general. They 
proceeded from Lake Champlain up the Winooski Kiver 
past rich meadows and deserted houses, till they came to 
the place where our State capital now stands, but which was 
then a wilderness overgrown with spruces, hemlocks, pines, 
and maples. Here they came upon several hunters from 
Newbury, whom they took prisoners. But the wily captives 
succeeded in turning them from their purpose by causing 
them to believe the town was strongly fortified, which was 
contrary to the reality. 

The Indians Avere greedy for plunder and unwilling to 
return from a fruitless excursion. Partly to pacify them, 
the guide, a despicable villain by the name of Hamilton, 
13 175 



176 VEEMOKT FOR YOUNG VERMOKTERS 

now conducted tliem toward Royalton, passing through the 
present limits of Barre and Chelsea to Tunbridge. Here 
they encamped over Sunday to make plans for an attack on 
Royalton and neighboring places. 

Hamilton was well acquainted with this locality. He 
had been captured with Burgoyne and had been on parole 
the previous summer at Newbury and Royalton. On a pre- 
tense of wishing to do some surveying at the north, he had 
escaped to the British. 

Royalton had been chartered but the year before, though 
quite a settlement had been made previously ; and the town 
was then in a very thriving condition. Barns and store- 
houses were filled witli the garnered harvests, and large 
herds of cattle grazed in the meadows. So far removed 
were they from the noise of the war, that they feared no 
danger ; and had, indeed, a short time previous to this, 
removed the small garrison by which they had been de- 
fended, to the fort at Bethel. 

On the 16th, in the gray of the morning, when many of 
the inhabitants were still in their beds, the invaders fell 
upon the unsuspecting inhabitants. By the time the day 
was half gone, the Indians had killed two men, taken 
twenty-six men and boys prisoners, burned over twenty 
houses and nearly as many barns, destroyed all household 
goods that they could not take away with them, killed a 
large number of cattle, sheep, and swine, captured 3 number 
of horses, which they appropriated to their own use, driven 
helpless women and children into the forests for safety, and 
liad themselves started for Canada. 

They encamped over night near Randolph, where they 
killed two of their prisoners. Here they were overtaken by 
a rescue force under Colonel House, of Hanover. As they 



THE EEVOLUTION 177 

threatened to kill all their prisoners should he attack them. 
Rouse decided to encamp for the night a few miles away ; 
but by so doing he allowed the enemy an opportunity to 
escape. The Indians moved on in the early morning, chan- 
ging their course to evade their pursuers. This brought 
them past the house of Zadock Steele, whom they took 
prisoner, after burning his house. 

Most of the prisoners were exchanged and returned to 
their homes the following summer ; but Steele, and Simeon 
Belknap, who was taken at Royalton, were separated from 
the rest and imprisoned elsewhere, and did not escape for 
two years after their capture. 

This sketch of the burning of Eoyalton would be incom- 
plete without relating two interesting stories connected 
with the event — those of Mrs. Hendee and Zadock Steele. 

Mrs. Hendee's Story. — On learning of the approach of 
the enemy, Mr. Hendee instructed his wife to take the 
boy and girl, both children under seven years, to a neigh- 
bor's for safety, as he was going to Bethel for the purpose 
of giving the alarm at the fort. She had gone but a short 
distance when she was met by a party of Indians, who took 
the boy away from her. 

Mrs. Hendee was a woman who wasted little energy in 
vain lamentations, but, on the contrary, saved her strength 
for fighting purposes ; and she now followed on after them 
with a strong determination to rescue her son. In her 
search for the commander she was obliged to ford a brook ; 
and an Indian, seeing that she wished to do so, offered to 
carry her over on his back. At first she refused the 
proffered aid, but allowed him to carry her little daughter ; 
but, coming to a place where the water was pretty deep, 
she finally consented to let him carry her the rest of the way. 



178 VEEMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMONTEES 

Then seeking out the commander, she pleaded for the 
release of her son, arguing that he was too young to make 
the journey to Canada and would be killed and left on the 
way. Moved with pity, the commander promised to do all 
he could to gain the child's release from the Indians ; but 
this he found some difficulty in doing, though happily 
the release was finally effected. 

Emboldened by her first success, she now made suit for 
several of her neighbors' boys and succeeded in gaining the 
release of eight lads, whom she conducted back in triumph, 
to the great joy of their parents, thus gaining for herself 
the well-deserved fame of being the heroine of the day. 

The Captivity of Zadock Steele. — The captivity of 
Zadock Steele, as told by himself, is quaint in the extreme ; 
but it furnishes a vivid picture of the perils of the Ver- 
mont settlers of that time, and relates a few of the strange 
customs of the Indians that are worthy of notice. At the 
time of his captivity, Zadock Steele was a young man of 
twenty-one years ; he had, a short time previous to this, 
bought a farm in Eandolph, and was at the time alone, 
though during the summer had had with him a young man 
who had gone back to his home in Connecticut after har- 
vesting was over in the fall. 

After taking Zadock Steele prisoner, the party hastened 
on to Berlin and encamped that night on Dog Eiver, not 
far from where Montpelier City is now located. Here the 
Indians built a fire some rods in length, which gave all an 
opportunity to approach, and thus get the benefit of its 
warmth. The prisoners were then fastened together by 
means of a long rope passing around each of their bodies ; 
and, when they lay down for the night, an Indian lay upon 
the rope between the prisoners, so that no two of them 



THE REVOLUTION 



179 



might lie side by side, thus making it impossible for any 
to escape. 

Leaving Dog River tliey passed down the Winooski till 
they came to Bolton, where they stopped and made bread 
of some fine flour that they liad brought with them from 
Canada, a n d h a d 
there secreted on a 
steep mountain. 
Making a stiff dough, 
they wound it around 
sticks which they 
then stuck into the 
ground near the fire, 
and in this manner 
the bread was baked. 

Reaching Lake 
Ciiamplain they re- 
covered their ba- 
teaux, in which they 
had come from Can- 
ada, and passed over 
to Grand Isle, where 
they encamped that 
night. The next day 
they went to Isle aux 
Noix and thence to St. Johns, where the Indians bartered 
some of their plunder for strong drinks, and many of them 
now became very savage under its effects. Suddenly one 
of them, under the influence of intoxication, pointed a gun 
at Steele's head and was about to fire when another Indian 
interposed and thus saved his life. 

It was a custom among the Indians to paint the faces 




Middlesex Narrows, Winooski Uivlt. 



180 VEEMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTEES 

of those they designed to save ; and Steele's face Avas now 
painted by his liberator, who now adopted him in place of 
a son whom he had recently lost. The ceremony of his 
adoption Steele thus describes : 

" All the Indians, both male and female, together with 
the prisoners, assembled and formed a circle, within which 
one of their chiefs, standing upon a stage erected for the 
purpose, harangued tlie audience in the Indian tongue. 
Although I could not understand his language, yet I could 
plainly discover a great share of native eloquence. His 
speech was of considerable length, and its effects obviously 
manifested weight of argument, solemnity of thought, and 
at least human sensibility. I was placed near by his side 
and had a fair view of the whole circle. After he had 
ended his speech, an old squaw came and took me by the 
hand and led me to a wigwam, where she dressed me in a 
red coat, with a ruffle in my bosom, and ordered me to call 
her mother." 

Soon after the prisoners were given their choice of 
remaining with the Indians or being delivered into the 
hands of the English at Montreal as prisoners of war. 
They chose the latter ; and the Indians then took them to 
Montreal, where they were sold for " half a joe" each, or 
about eight dollars a head. Here they were kept impris- 
oned for about a year, suffering great hardship, Steele 
and Belknap were then removed, with other prisoners, to 
an island in the St. Lawrence, about forty-five miles above 
Montreal. As the water flowed very rapidly on both sides 
of the island and for some distance below, it was considered 
impossible for the prisoners to escape without proper boats. 
Here they were treated with great cruelty ; and, after en- 
during it for about a year, a party of them determined to 



THE REVOLUTION 181 

make their escape. Steele and Belknap were among this 
number. 

Digging with a jack-knife an nndergronncf passage 
twenty feet in length, which led from the barracks outside 
the barricade, they crawled through ; and, under cover of 
night, made their way to the river in September of the 
year 1782. Here they divided into small comjoanies ; and 
Steele, Belknap, and two others now hastily constructed a 
raft for themselves by tying logs together with ropes made 
of their stripped-up blankets, and, clinging to this, they 
made their perilous way down the rapids and escaped to 
land. 

It was now their purpose to get to the fort at Pittsford ; 
but three weeks of weary wandering in the wilderness fol- 
lowed before they were able to accomplish it. They could 
take but little provision, and unfortunately their compass 
was spoiled while they were making the rapids, and this 
greatly retarded their progress. Their only guides now 
were the sun, and the moss upon the trees, which they 
knew grew thickest upon the north side. As it does not 
grow at all upon cedar trunks, they were often obliged to 
remain inactive in cedar woods when the sun was hid. 
They traversed the west side of the lake till they came to 
Split Rock, where there is a narrow place in the lake, and 
here they effected a crossing on a raft which they con- 
structed, and landed at Charlotte. 

Not daring to keep very near the lake, for fear of the 
British, they now took to the hills and became lost, 
wandering aimlessly about upon Bristol, Ripton, and Han- 
cock mountains, not knowing whither to go to reach the 
fort, and living upon frogs, late berries, twigs, roots, etc. 
Finally, turning southwest, they happened upon a road. 



182 VEEMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMONTEES 

This greatly encouraged them, for there was now hojie of 
their reacliing some human habitation. Soon they found 
horses and a colt. Killing the colt they roasted some of its 
meat ; and the horses they appropriated to their use in con- 
veying them to the fort, which proved not very far off. 
They reached this the next day, in tattered clothing, spent 
with fasting, and having been gone from home two years 
that month. 



CHAPTER XXI 

FUBTHER ACTS OF VERMONT GOVERNMENT — HALDIMAND 
CORRESPONDENCE — CLOSE OF WAR 

A Further Division of Counties. — In the early part of 
the year 1781 a new division of counties was made. The 
western part of the State was divided into two counties : 
Bennington, with its present limits, and Rutland, extend- 
ing from that county to Canada. The eastern part was 
divided into three counties : Windham and Windsor, with 
present boundaries, and Orange, extending from Windsor 
County to Canada. 

Vermont adds to her Strength. — Vermont was indeed 
in a trying situation. She was but little favored by Con- 
gress, and New Hampshire and Xew York were both 
striving by every means in their power to annihilate her 
jurisdiction. Well for the infant commonwealth, she had 
statesmen who were equal to the situation. They believed 
themselves in the right and did not hesitate to declare their 
independence of both the claiming States and of Congress; 
they boldly asserted that they had the right to even cease 
hostilities with Great Britain at any time, if they so desired, 
and that they cared no longer to continue to maintain an 
important frontier for the United States if they were not 
to be one of them, and could hope for nothing better in 
the end than to be divided between their covetous neigh- 
bors. 

The sixteen New Hampshire towns west of Mason's 
183 



184 VEEMONT FOR YOUNG VERMOXTERS 

grant had not ceased to desire a union with the new State ; 
and were now, with the addition of several other towns, for 
a second time admitted to her jurisdiction. About the 
same time the inluibitants of some of the towns of eastern 
New York presented a petition to the Vermont Legisla- 
ture asking that they also might be admitted as a part of 
the new commonwealth. Left defenseless by their own 
government they wished to avail themselves of the better 
protection offered by Vermont. " Otherwise/' said they, 
" we will be compelled to leave our homes and go into the 
interior part of the country for safety." To them also 
Vermont stretched forth a welcome hand, and tbat part of 
New York adjoining Vermont, and east of Hudson River 
and a line running from that stream north to the Canada 
line, was added to the new jurisdiction. 

By these two unions, Vermont had doubled her ter- 
ritory, greatly weakening her adversaries, and increased 
largely both her population and resources. She further 
strengthened herself by disposal of her unappropriated 
lands to citizens in other States, thereby interesting them 
in the establishment of her independence. Nothing but 
this bold grasp upon the territory of her enemies could 
have so increased her importance and placed her in a posi- 
tion to demand the respect of friend and foe alike. No 
wiser policy could have been adopted to secure her inde- 
pendence of the claiming States, and she was equally wise 
in the manner by which she secured the safety of her in- 
habitants from tlie invasion of the British on the north. 
The next subject will treat of the latter. 

The Haldimand Correspondence. — The geographical sit- 
uation of Vermont, the fact that she was at variance with 
the neighboring States, and the knowledge of the oft-repeat- 



THE REV0LUTI0:N^ 185 

ed refusal of Congress to admit her as an independent com- 
monwealth, greatly encouraged the British in thinking that 
Vermont, at last exasperated by her treatment, might be 
induced to espouse the British cause, furnish troops for its 
aid, and either unite with Canada or make arrangements 
with the British to become a province of that nation. To 
that end they opened a correspondence with Ethan Allen 
in the spring of 1780, in a letter written by Colonel Beverly 
Robinson, inviting the people of Vermont to join the Brit- 
ish cause and intimating that such a course would be much 
to their advantage. 

Allen at once showed the letter to Governor Chittenden 
and a few other confidential friends, all of whom agreed 
that no notice should be taken of it. In about a year 
another letter came from the same source, enclosing a copy 
of the first, which they supposed must have been miscar- 
ried, as no other answer had been made to it. Neither did 
Allen answer this, but sent them both to Congress, with a 
letter of his own assuring that body of his sincere attach- 
ment to the cause of his country, but declaring that Ver- 
mont had a right to cease hostilities with Great Britain 
provided Congress persisted in rejecting her application 
for admission into the Union. He further declared, ''I 
am as resolutely determined to defend the independence of 
Vermont as Congress that of the United States." 

The colonial troops, as has been stated, had been with- 
drawn from the State ; New York had withdrawn her 
troops from Skenesboro, leaving no protection in that 
quarter; their own militia was insufficient to protect them 
against a hostile army of 10,000 men, organized for the 
purpose of invasion, upon their northern borders ; they 
fully believed that support had been withdrawn to compel 



186 VEKMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

them to place themselves under the protection of New 
York ; they had no mind to accept any such protection, 
and knew full well that only adroit management on their 
part would save them and their homes from destruction. 
Therefore, they determined to bring about by strategy 
what they could not accomplish by force. They were far- 
seeing enough to recognize the advantage that a negotia- 
tion with the British might be to them, and so invited not 
only correspondence, but personal interviews as well. 

This correspondence was carried on with the utmost 
secrecy for nearly three years, aiid has always been known 
as the " Haldimand Correspondence," because the negotia- 
tions with Vermont were under the management of Gen- 
eral Haldimand. It consisted, on the part of the British, 
in repeated trials to persuade the leading men of Vermont 
to abandon the American cause and declare themselves a 
British province, making most generous and noble offers to 
the State and to its leading men if they would but do so ; 
on the part of the Vermonters it consisted in answers and 
proposals which were intended to give the British strong 
hopes of ultimate success without coming to any definite 
agreement. They even went so far as to plan with the 
British a form of government for the consideration of the 
people, the British having strong expectations that it 
would in a short time be subjected to the people and 
without doubt be accepted by them. 

This bit of strategy was known at the time to but 
few Vermonters, probably less than a dozen in number. 
Prominent among the leaders were Thomas Chittenden, 
Ethan and Ira Allen, Samuel and Moses Robinson, Jonas 
and Joseph Fay, and Samuel Safford. Through its means 
several scouts who had been taken prisoners in the spring 



THE EEVOLUTION 



187 



of 1780 and most of those who had been taken at Eoyalton 
were exchanged on most generous terms ; for tliree suc- 
cessive years a British fleet had passed up the hike without 
making any attempt to injure the people of Vermont, their 
designs being noticeably 
against New York ; an army 
of 10,000 had been kept back 
— a State had been saved. 

It is true the policy adopted 
occasioned the suspicion of 
both friend and foe. The fre- 
quent exchange of flags with 
Canada, and the evident friend- 
liness of tlie British toward the 
people of the State, excited 
strong suspicions in other 
States, as well as in Vermont, 
that something wrong Avas go- 
ing on. Ira Allen, distinguished for his civil rather than 
military service, and the man who Governor Chittenden 
said, "had done more good work for the State than any 
other two men," was much censured by Vermonters be- 
cause of the prominent part played by him ; even Warner 
and Stark suspected the leaders of disloyalty. Many firm- 
ly believed that it had been their intention to unite with 
Canada ; but we cannot conceive how any unprejudiced 
person, acquainted with the characters of these leaders and 
their previous history, can for a single moment doubt their 
patriotism. In speaking of the men, Hiland Hall says : 

" These men were among the most ardent patriots of 
the State, who during the whole revolutionary period and 
afterwards, so long as they lived, enjoyed the full coufi- 




Ira Allen. 



188 VERMOXT FOE YOUNG VEEMONTEES 

dence of the people and were called by them to occupy 
the most honored and trustworthy positions in their gift. 
They liad no idea of submitting to the British authority; 
but, under the circumstances in which they were placed, 
deemed it proper to resort to stratagem, always practised 
and deemed justifiable in war, to Avard off the expected 
blows of an enemy/' 

Congress shows a Willingness to admit Vermont into 
the Union. — But all the time negotiations were going on 
with Canada, Vermont was not idle with reference to ob- 
taining a recognition of her independence from Congress. 
Having completed her eastern and western unions, she ap- 
pointed Jonas Fay, Ira Allen, and Bezaleel Woodward to 
go to Philadelphia, as agents to represent her cause before 
the national body. Several things had now occurred to 
make Congress view more favorably the cause of Vermont. 
New Hampshire was now quite willing to acknowledge the 
independence of Vermont providing the annexed lands east 
of the Connecticut Eiver might be restored to her, illus- 
trating the fact that a little wholesome fear sometimes 
works wonders with the unruly. Massachusetts had with- 
drawn her claim on condition that Vermont should be 
admitted into the Federal Union. Many in other States 
believed that Vermont would unite with Canada rather 
than submit to New York. Through an intercepted letter 
it had become known that the British generals of New 
York and Canada had had orders to receive and support 
the people of Vermont, and Congress knew that the ad- 
mission of Vermont into the Union would prevent any 
alliance on the part of that State Avith the British. 

Influenced by these conditions, on the 20th of August, 
Congress passed resolutions intimating a willingness to 



THE REVOLUTION 189 

admit Vermont into the Union, if she wonld give nji all 
claims on her eastern and western extensions and confine 
her territory to its original limits. Accompanying these 
resolutions was a verhal message sent hy General Washing- 
ton to Governor Chittenden, asking whether they wonld 
be satisfied with the independence offered, or did they 
seriously contemplate joining the enemy and becoming a 
British province. 

At first the Vermont Assembly would not consent to 
the dissolution of its unions ; for, naturally, such action 
was much opposed by the representatives of the annexed 
territories. 

In a letter to Washington, Governor Chittenden ex- 
plained the situation, and also gave an account of the 
transactions with the enemy, explaining the purpose of 
the negotiations. He also said that no people on the con- 
tinent were more loyal to the cause than Vermonters, but 
boldly asserted that they would join the British in Canada 
rather than submit to the New York jurisdiction. 

In a reply in a letter dated Januaiy 1, 1782, Washington 
said, '^ You have nothing to do but withdraw your juris- 
diction into the confines of your old limits, and obtain an 
acknowledgment of independence, etc." This he strongly 
urged them to do. When this letter was laid before the 
General Assembly of February, 1782, it produced the 
effect which might reasonably be expected from such a 
communication from such a man. As a result that body 
I'esolved to comply with the conditions and the unions 
were dissolved. Vermont now fully believed that her 
independence would at once be declared, but she was 
doomed to disappointment. The committee to Avhom it 
was referred reported as favorable the recognition of the 



190 VEEMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

indej)endeiice of Vermont, and there the matter was left. 
The subject was afterward several times referred to in 
Congress, but as frequently postponed and finally dropped. 
Vermont at length lost all confidence in the promises of 
Congress. But we must not censure that body too severely ; 
for no decision could have been made at that time without 
causing dissatisfaction on the part of some of the contest- 
ants, that would have worked injury to the cause of the 
United States. Her policy was to wait until matters could 
be adjusted in a more pacific manner ; and perhaps she 
was wise. 

Close of the War. — The war of the Revolution closed 
with the year 1783, and its closing put an end to the 
negotiations with Canada. The population of Vermont 
was now estimated at 30,000, though no actual census had 
been taken. If this estimate were at all correct, Vermont 
had gained during the war a population of 10,000 people. 

TEST. 

1. What was the condition of the forts at Ticonderoga and Crown 

Point at the beginning of the Revolution ? 

2. Wliy were they important, and why were the colonists anxious to 

seize upon them at once when hostilities sliould begin ? 

3. Relate the story of the capture of Ticonderoga. 

4. Who captured Crown Point ? 

5. Tell the story of the siege of St. Johns. 

6. What was the occasion of Ethan Allen's capture by the British ? 

7. What service did Warner's troops render in the invasion of 

Canada ? 

8. What defeat did the Americans meet the last day of the year 

1775 ? 

9. Why was Mt. Independence so named ? 

10. What two navy-yards were on Lake Champlain in the year 1776 ? 

11. Tell the story of tlie naval battle near Valcour Island. 

12. When and where did Vermont declare herself independent ? 



THE KEVOLUTIOX 191 

13. Give some of tlie important items in Vermont's Declaration of 

Independence. 

14. What name was given to the New Hampshire Grants in this con- 

vention ? 

15. What was the origin of the name " Vermont ?" 

16. Where and in what year was the Vermont constitution adopted? 

17. What was used as a model ? 

18. What plans did the British have for putting a speedy termination 

to the war ? 

19. Tell the story of the evacuation of Ticonderoga and Mt. Independ- 

ence. 

20. Describe the battle of Hubbardton. 

21. What was the effect of this battle on the people of western Ver- 

mont ? 

22. Tell the story of the Churchills. 

23. What steps were now taken for defense ? 

24 What was the cause of the battle of Bennington ? 

25. Relate the story of the contest. 

26. What was gained by the Americans ? 

27. When and where was the first session of the Vermont Legislature 

held? 

28. What was done at this session ? 

29. Tell something of the plan and the contents of the Vermont con- 

stitution. 

30. Wliat were the duties of the Governor ? Council ? Representa- 

tives ? Council of Censors ? 

31. Who was the first Governor ? 

32. Tell something of his life. 

33. Give the origin of the State seal. 

34. What is Vermont's State motto ? 

35. Tell about the return of Ethan Allen, 

36. What addition did Vermont make to her territory in the year 

1778? 

37. What was the result of this ? 

38. What constituted the frontier line of defense ? 

39. What was the necessity for its existence ? 

40. What was the cause of the disaffection in Cumberland County ? 

41. Wliat States now claim Vermont territory ? 

42. What advice did Congress give them ? 

43. What was the result ? 

44. What method did Vermont use to enlighten the public mind ? 

14 



193 VERMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMONTERS 

45. Tell the story of the burning of lloyalton. 

46. IIow did Vermont add to her strength and popularity ? 

47. Give an account of the Ilaldiniand correspondence. 

48. What eifect did this and Vermont's bold grasp upon tiie territory 

of other States have upon Congress ? 

49. Locate Shoreham, Rutland, I'ittsford, Brandon, Middlebury, 

Dorset, Orwell, Hubbardton, Koyalton, Kandolpli, Windsor, 
Valcour Island. 



FIFTH PERIOD 



EAPID SETTLEMENT 

(1783-1812) 



CHAPTER XXII 

Vermont's prospeeity — her admission into the union 

Rapid Increase in Population. — The fifth period, which 
covers a space of about thirty years, may well be called the 
period of rapid settlement ; for never before or since in 
the history of the State have such gigantic gains in popu- 
lation been realized. From the close of the war to the time 
Vermont entered the Union her population had more than 
doubled, numbering at that date (1791) over 85,000. In 
the next ten years it had nearly doubled again ; and the 
census of 1810 showed another long stride, the population 
numbering at that date 217,895. 

The Indians of Swanton had generally withdrawn from 
the State ; and bow that the war with Great Britain was 
ended and Vermont was no longer threatened by invasion 
on the north, her settlements began to spread rapidly in 
that direction, emigrants flocking in great numbers from 
the other States. 

Many of the lands in this section had been granted by 
Benning Wentworth as early as 1763, but most of the 
original shares had* been transferred and were no longer the 

193 



194 VERMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMONTERS 

property of the original shareholders. The Aliens, espe- 
cially Ira Allen, had come into possession of very extensive 
tracts in different localities ; there was scarcely a town in 
the western border of the State in which Ira Allen had not 
some landed property. Indeed, it is said that in 1786 fifty- 
nine of the sixty-four original shares of the town of Swan- 
ton were owned by that gentleman ; and a dozen years 
previous to this time he had owned the greater part of the 
town of Burlington. 

Prosperity and Contentment, — Vermont was no longer 
in danger of a foreign foe ; she had more than once proved 
that she was able to defend herself against the claims of 
neighboring States ; she had a well-organized government, 
which was daily increasing in strength and efficiency ; 
she coined her own money ; she had her own standard of 
weights and measures ; she had established a postal ser- 
vice and had appointed a postmaster-general ; taxes were 
low ; the State still had large quantities of valuable laud 
to dispose of, out of the avails of which she was able to 
supply her treasury and pay her debts without greatly 
burdening the people ; moreover, allured by the cheap- 
ness of these lands, the light taxes and the democratic 
government, settlers were constantly coming into the State 
from all parts of the New England States, thus swelling 
her numbers and consequently her importance. In a 
word, Vermont was prosperous. To be sure, Vermont was 
still nominally under the jurisdiction of New York, but 
for all practical purposes she was as independent as any 
republic on earth. 

In striking contrast, the close of the war found the 
United States heavily in debt ; her paper currency, issued 
during the war, worthless; and the country itself without 



EAPID SETTLEMENT 



195 



any adequate means to furnish the way for its payment ; 
her government was weak ; it could advise but could not 
compel, and had to depend upon the will of each individual 
State for the carrying out of its resolves. Many of the 
States were also heavily burdened with debt. From the 
very fact that Vermont had not been admitted into the 
Union, she was in a great measure free from the embarrass- 
ments in which other States found themselves. Entirely 
outside of the sister- 
hood of States, she was 
under no obligation to 
help meet the national 
debt and was, evident- 
ly, happy to be free 
from it. 

The people of Ver- 
mont were not uncon- 
scious of their own 
powers and well real- 
ized that they were 
much better off than 
their neighbors. A 
union with the United 
States was certainly no 

longer a necessity ; and, indeed, as time went on, most of 
the inhabitants of the State ceased to regard it as a thing 
to be desired. 

Postal Service; Currency. — In the year 1784, the Legis- 
lature of Vermont established five post-offices in the State. 
They were at Newbury, Windsor, Brattleboro, Bennington, 
and Rutland. To post-riders was given the exclusive 
right of carrying letters and packages, and these were 




A post-nder 



196 VEEMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMOJ^TEES 

transmitted once a week each way between these points. 
The postage was the same as that established by the 
United States. 

To be sure, the post-offices of that day differed some- 
what from those of the present, consisting, in the main, 
of a drawer in the village store or a shelf in the bar-room of 
some tavern, where j^apers and letters alike were piled to- 




Early Vermont coins. 

gether in great disorder to be searched over on the entrance 
of each inquirer. 

For many years after Vermont organized her State 
government, a majority of her leading men were much 
opposed to the issue of paper money, in spite of tlie fact 
that bank-bills were the circulating medium in other States. 
Although we had nothing that we could call a bank pre- 
vious to the year 180G, the Legislature was, during the 
year 1781, obliged to issue bills of credit for the payment 
of the State debts, the carrying on of the war, and the 



KAPID SETTLEMENT 197 

enlargement of the circulating medium. These bills were 
to be redeemed in about a yearns time ; and to raise the 
money necessary for their redemption a tax was laid on 
the grand lists of the State. Be it said, to the credit of the 
State, that these bills were all faithfully redeemed. 

To Reuben Harmon, of Eupert, was given the exclusive 
riglit of coining copper within the State. Specimens of 
these coins are seldom to be met with at the present day, 
but are of rare interest. The accompanying are fac- 
similes of some of them. The first records the fact of the 
former existence of the Green Mountain Republic ; the 
second proclaims the sentiment of her people : "- Indejiend- 
once and Liberty," and is known as the baby-head coin. 

Vermont regains Confidence in Congress; at Peace 
with New York.— By the year 1789, the aversion which 
the Vermont people had felt to a union with the United 
States had become much lessened. The United States 
had adopted a constitution, and there were indications 
that the government was now founded upon a strong and 
creditable basis. The public confidence in that body was 
everywhere being restored ; and at the head of the nation, 
as President, stood George Washington, a man in whom 
the people of Vermont had unlimited confidence. 

The question as to whether New York or Philadelphia 
should be the permanent seat of the Federal Government 
had been recently decided by Congress in favor of Phila- 
delphia by a small majority. This showed that the south- 
ern influence was stronger than the northern ; and the fact 
that Kentucky, another southern State, would, undoubt- 
edly, become a member of the Union at no distant day, 
thus increasing southern influence, caused all the northern 
States some little anxiety. New York, among the rest. 



198 VEEMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMONTEES 

had become very anxious to have Vermont admitted to 
the Union to increase the representation of the North in 
Congress. Such New York men as General Schuyler, 
Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay had long favored the 
claim of Vermont to independence, notwithstanding the 
obstinate resistance of Governor Clinton against such 
claim ; and it was fast becoming apparent that the public 
sentiment of New York was in favor of reconciliation with 
that State also. Alexander Hamilton emphatically and 
repeatedly declared that the independence of Vermont 
had already become a fixed fact and that it would be 
worse than useless to try to overthrow it. He had for 
some time been in correspondence with Nathaniel Chip- 
man, an able Vermont jurist, who was as anxious as he to 
bring about an adjustment of the difficulty between the 
two States. 

The only point of controversy now existing seemed to 
be that concerning lands that had been previously granted 
by the New York government and regranted' under the 
authority of the State of Vermont. The New York 
claimants were constantly complaining that tbey were not 
allowed to take possession of their property. 

Commissioners were now appointed by the legislatures 
of both States with powers to settle all matters of contro- 
versy between them. After two or three meetings, the 
matter was amicably adjusted by Vermont's agreeing to 
pay New York the sum of $30,000 as a compensation for 
lands claimed by New York citizens. New York declaring 
her consent to the admission of Vermont into the Ujiion, 
and agreeing also that upon such admission, tliat gov- 
ernment would relinquish all claims over territory in the 
State of Vermont. Thus was terminated a controversy 



KAPID SETTLEMENT 199 

■which had been carried on with great spirit and bitterness 
for twenty-six years. 

New York makes Restitution to the Disaffected. — The 

$30,000 was divided among seventy-six claimants ; and, 
although it did not give them a high price for their 
lands, was, probably, in general, satisfactory. 

But these claimants were not the only ones who de- 
manded restitution of the New York government. About 
three years before this time, some of the people in south- 
eastern Vermont, who had suffered confiscation of personal 
property and lands because of their resistance to Vermont 
authority, petitioned tlie Legislature of New York to 
make compensation to them for losses which they had 
suffered. They declared that they had ever been faithful 
in their allegiance to that State, relying upon Congress 
and the New York government for protection, in both of 
which powers they had been disappointed. 

In response to their petition, the New York Legislature, 
in 1786, appropriated to the sufferers a township eight 
miles square on the Susquehanna River, since known as 
the town of Bainbridge. This was divided among more 
than a hundred claimants ; and many of the disaffected 
now removed to that place, while others remained in Ver- 
mont and were thereafter peaceable and quiet citizens. 

Admitted into the Union. — As soon as a reconciliation 
had been effected with New York, the Legislature of Ver- 
mont called a convention to meet at Bennington in Jan- 
uary, 1791, to consider the desirability of joining the 
Federal Union. 

Among: the delegates were such men as Governor Chit- 
tenden, Nathaniel Chipman, Moses Robinson, Stephen R. 
Bradley, Ira Allen, Ebenezer Allen, and others of equal 



200 VEKMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

practical good sense and stern integrity. Many of the 
members of the convention doubted the expediency of 
joining the Union at all, and others were for postponing 
the decision ; but there were still others who felt that this 
was the time when such union could be accomplished 
without opposition and without difficulty, and tliat any 
delay would be very unwise. That accomplished scholar, 
Nathaniel Chipman, was one of the last. In a magnifi- 
cent speech he gave his reasons for recommending such a 
course, emphasizing Vermont's insignificance as a separate 
State, showing in strong light the many ways in which she 
would be bettered and strengthened by the union, and her 
probable fate, should war again arise between the United 
States and Great Britain. 

Such argument as his prevailed ; and, after a three 
days' debate, the convention unanimously resolved to make 
application to Congress for admission into the Union. 
Hon. Nathaniel Chipman and Lewis Morris were com- 
missioned to go to Philadelphia and negotiate for its ad- 
mission. The remainder of the story is soon told. The 
very next month an act was passed in Congress, without 
debate and without a dissenting voice, declaring that '*on 
the 4th day of March, 1791, the said state, by the name 
and style of the state of Vermont, shall be received and 
admitted into the Union, as a new and entire member of 
the United States of America." 

By this act the republic of the Green Mountains, which 
had had an existence of fourteen years, was at an end. By 
it Vermont lost her peculiar and separate character, there- 
after resembling in her leading features other individual 
States. Thereafter she was to stand wath her motto of 
" Freedom and Unity " among the sisterhood of common- 



EAPID SETTLEMENT 201 

wealths on equal terms, with like interests, and in enjoy- 
ment of the same blessings and privileges. 

It is to be regretted that neither Ethan Allen nor Setli 
Warner was permitted to see Vermont's admission into 
the Union ; for death claimed Warner six years, and Allen 
two years before its consummation. 

Vermont's Representation in Congress. — As no actual 
enumeration of the inliabitants had then taken place, the 
new State was instructed by Congress to choose two repre- 
sentatives to the national body until such enumeration 
should be effected. It was then the rule to allow each 
State one representative for every 30,000 inhabitants ; and, 
when the census was taken, Vermont was found to have 
over eighty thousand, and thus was able to retain her two 
representatives. In 1806 the number had been increased 
to four, and in 1812 to six. This number she retained for 
several years but never has had a greater one. 

In common with other States she was entitled to two 
seats in the Senate, and to represent her in that body 
Moses Robinson and Stephen Eow Bradley were chosen. 



CHAPTER XXIII 



GOVERlfMENTAL 



The Legislature. — During the thirteen years of Ver- 
mont's existence as a republic, her Legislature met on an 
average twice a year, and in the year 1781 four times. 
Before her admission into the Union she had established 
the rule of meeting once a year; and this was the practise 
for many years afterward, except occasionally when some- 
thing arose which called for immediate legislation, in which 
case an extra session was called. 

The Legislature convened in October and the business 
of legislation was usually completed in three or four weeks' 
time. Most of the legislators went to and from the 
General Assembly on horseback, though it was not un- 
usual for these dignified lawmakers to make the way on 
foot instead. 

The work of the Legislature consisted in the granting 
of new townships, the levying of taxes, the making of 
necessary laws, the granting of petitions, and the like. 

Avery's Gores. — Besides the granting of townships a 
number of tracts of land in different parts of the State 
were also granted under the name of gores. A number of 
these were, in 1791, granted to Samuel Avery, bearing the 
name of Avery's Gores ; but most of these, as well as 
others, have since been annexed to neighboring town- 
ships. 

202 



EAPID SETTLEMENT 



203 



Early Statutes and Petitions.4^'N>oi-eGord.has.^eeiikept 
of .tlie-laws enacted by the State during. the ;firstj year of 
its tegislation ; but they were prohably, in. the main, of a 
temporary nature. The first code of written hxws was 
enacted by the Legishiture in February, 1779. Some of 
the statutes passed by the government in its infancy were 
of a peculiar nature, and are interesting to note. 




Stocks. 

Nine offenses were punishable by death ; but that was 
by no means a large number in those days, when Connecti- 
cut had twelve upon her list, and in Great Britain no less 
than one hundred and sixty crimes were subject to the 
death penalty. A few illustrations of some of the early 
forms of punishment will serve to give an idea of the 
nature of all. The following was the statute enacted con- 
cerning burglary: 



yoi VMWMONT I'OK V(HIN(J V MU,IVl()N'rMW,H 

" VV liui'.iH'vi'i itlmll iMiiiiiiil liii if'liii y . . itliiill, I'ur 

Uiii lliitL iillViii'.ti, III' liiiiinli'd Mil I hi': im I'lii'inl vviUi Mil' 
('ll|i|lnJ Irlli'i l'>, Willi II liiil null, iiml i.linJI liii,vii oiin ul' liiii 
IHM'ri linilnil III II. jiin'.l. illiil rill nil , iilnl r.liiill iiJiio lin vvlll|i|iril 
(III IJlli llllluill liiilly lin.)':nll Ml.l'l|ir)t. Ami liil Uir l:l'riilli| 

nlTniirxi, iiiu li |ii'i>'.iiii nliidl Im In iimji'il nil iirnriii'.iud , niiil 

mIiIiJI IiIIVI' IiIi! lilJirl I'iU IliUlf'll illlll rill nil il.l il 1 1 il'i'MIUl I , illlll 




I'lllnrv 



itliilll III! ulil|i|M'i| nil llir hiikril I ii ii I y lunllly livn itliijinM. 



A ml ll' iMU'li |iii|'rinii iiliiil 
mIiiiII Im< |i||| In ilnill ll Mm 
'I'lir riillllli'll'rllcr Wll 
Illlll lilh I'If'lil tMir t'lir III' 
(iml w Ml I lirii rninmil I 

IIIMimliM III llln lllr T 



rnmml t Mm I ik<< ll I li 1 1 <l 1 1 iim, lin 
inllif llirul'I'if'ililn. " 
I lil'iiliilnil Willi Mm riipiliil Inl Irr ( ', 
, llIM nitiiln rni'I'ulliMl In Mm Sliiiii, 
'll In Mm w luK liniiiin I'm' Mm rn 
m Miirl Willi nlili^'tMJ U> inhlnlii ill 



u Arii> sK'rruaiKN r 



yo^ 



(KisiMs; H lino; ;iiul. il' iIiohiiumihI of llir llu^fl w iM #."i(l 
or morv. w liipiunx;, lu'l ovrAUHlmj; llui'l\-iUMo s^liipoM, \vui4 
inhUul lo llio |>um.shmoul. Il'llu> Kiiills oiu> whh oiio not 
i\U\o lo |>H_\ I ho smiifi im|>o.sv*»l, lio whm l>i>uiul oiil to soi\ioo 
until Ito Inv^l ounooUnl tho vIoM. 

Mvorv town whs obli^i^oU to tnuintuin u puir of >itv»ol\rt ut 
i(M owot «>\ponHo, to lu» Hi^t in (lu> nuwt |>uM>o pliioo ; unU 
llio liiU". |M'\>r!UU* rtwoaior. anil tlrunknid woio oMij^oil lo wit 
llioi'oin l\>r u lon^lh ol' liino moouioU witU look iuul l\(<v 
ISo.snloM llioro WHS Iho w luppini; post mul pilloiv. A 
MvMiktiMi t^>U!»k(M' w US onoo oontloiunoil to Mtaud toe u r«*r 
tain nnnil>rr ol' hours in a pilhn'v I'or ^\>tlin>; in hav on 
Sumlav. Ills wil^^, lo lii;hton I ho |MinishnnM\l, sta\oU lu^ur 
l»v w It h hor knitting, 

Itiil Miioh movh\n of |>iini;lnnonl woi'onot ol' loiiii; diU'H 
lion ; I'or, in ISt>l>. a Statt* prison was hiiill at \\ iiulsor. and 
I'i'oin that liinoon Iho inipi'isonnn«nl ol' Iho (iIYimuIiM' was 
inor(M't>innioiilv Miilwlit iitod in thoii' plaro. 

Tlio praoliso of raising unuiov l>\ lotltnios IVu' puhlio or 
ohai'itaMo piir|>osos was sanolionod l>v tin* N'onnonI l<o>iiH- 
laluuMii tho oai'ly davs, as it was in niont ol' Ihootlnu" 
Hlalns. I'ptoahoiil tho \oai' ISt'O mans potitioiiM woro 
f\i'anlo(l I'or ostahlishin^ lotlAM'ii^s I'oi' Iho hiiihlini; and lo 
pairing, o\' roads and hiidj-v^s. (Mhois woro f^ranlod lo I'aiso 
iiionov lor niu'h piirposos a>i tlu< follow mh; : Toaidin oi'ool 
iiiv, a l>rowoi'v. a roiirt hoii-io, to ropaii' Ioshos hy lli'o, and at 
loaMl Olio was pi'o.-uMilod a-ikiiiv, I'oi' tho i^ranl ol' a lolloi'V lo 
hiiild a ohiii'oh. 

Tlio Huihtluf>' oC K(MuIm. 'I'ho hiiildiiu' ol' load-iwonl on 
slowlv al IIi'mI. Thov woi'o iiowhoro ^ood and woro ol'ton 
inino lM'idh< palhH uiaikod oiilv h\ h||u<od troori. 'Tho law 



206 VERMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMONTERS 



required four days' labor annually on the roads by every 
able-bodied man between sixteen and sixty years, ministers 
of the gospel only excepted. 

The turnpike companies superseded by degrees the lot- 
teries as a means by which roads were constructed. The 
first company was incorporated in 1796 ; and a road was 
built from Bennington to Wilmington and gates were placed 
upon it, where toll was collected of travelers. These roads 
proved so profitable that in a very few years fifty companies 




Toll-gate near the Connecticut River. 

had been formed. As the public roads multiplied, the turn- 
pikes became less remunerative ; and one by one the com- 
panies surrendered their charters until most of the old turn- 
pikes became public roads. A turnpike road still exists 
between Manchester and Peru. Many bridges were also 
constructed by stock companies, and toll was collected at 
the toll-houses at one end of the bridge. 

A Royal Visitor. — About the time of Vermont's admis- 
sion into the Union, a young man twenty-four years of age. 



EAPID SETTLEMENT 207 

who had been in command of a regiment in Canada, passed 
through Vermont on his way to Boston. It was no other 
than Prince Edward, the son of the mucli despised George 
III, and afterward the father of Queen Victoria. Proceed- 
ing from Burlington lie stopped over niglit witli Colonel 
Davis in Montpelier, a town which was at that time but 
three or four years old. The next day he took dinner with 
Judge Paine, of Williamstown. EuU of the notion that the 
Vermonters were hardly better than savages, he was so ap- 
prehensive of danger to himself that he came well guarded 
by armed men ; and his sayings and doings, as he j)assed 
through the settlements, furnished several amusing stories 
which were told with much zest for a long time afterward. 

Counties Formed ; a City Incorporated. — The increase 
in population to the northward made it necessary from time 
to time to organize counties in that portion of the State. 
No less than eiglit counties were formed during this period, 
making the number thirteen, which lacked but one of the 
present number. 

By an act of the Assembly, Addison County was created 
in 1785, extending from Eutland County, with very nearly 
its present limits, to Canada. Two years later Addison 
County was divided, and the northern part incorporated 
under the name of Chittenden County. In 1792 Chitten- 
den County was divided, and from a part of its territory 
Franklin County was created. In the same year Caledonia, 
Essex, and Orleans counties came into existence. Caledonia 
joined Orange County ; and, because so many of its inhabit- 
ants came from Scotland, was called Caledonia, an old 
name for Scotland. 

Bordering on the Connecticut Eiver and reaching to 

Canada was Essex, and directly west of that Orleans. In 
15 



208 VEEMOXT FOE YOUNG VERMONTERS 

1802 Grand Isle was incorporated, and in 1810 Jefferson, 
afterward called Washington. 

Vergennes, the first Vermont city, was incorporated in 
1783, and is one of the oldest cities in New England. 

Vermont Politics. — At the beginning of our national 
government two political parties existed, the Federalist and 
the Anti-Federalist. The Federalists voted for the Consti- 
tution and believed in having a strong national government. 
The Anti-Federalists, fearing lest the Federal Government 
should become oppressive, as Parliament had been, if they 
should put too much power into its hands, wished to pre- 
serve as much voice in the government as possible for the 
individual States, In Vermont, for several years, the Fed- 
eralists greatly outnumbered the Anti-Federalists ; but, in 
1806, the two parties were about equal in number, and for 
a time afterward the Anti-Federalist (or Republican) party 
was in the ascendency. 

Our first two presidents, Washington and Adams, were 
of the Federalist party, as were also the earliest Vermont 
Governors. It was Tichenor, Chittenden's successor, who 
introduced into Vermont the custom of entering upon the 
duties of the office of Governor by making a speech before 
the Legislature, Governor Chittenden never having prac- 
tised it. 

In general, politics in Vermont ran smoothly in those 
days. There was, much of the time, great animosity be- 
tween the two parties throughout the United States; and, 
as might have been expected, party spirit sometimes ran 
high in the land of the Green Mountains, and there, as 
elsewhere, many a hot debate took place between the two 
factions. 

The feeling was, however, as all admit, greatly tem- 



RAPID SETTLExMENT 209 

pered by the sincere attachmeut of the people for Governor 
Chittenden ; and year after year he occupied the executive 
cluiir, and no other candidate for the office was given seri- 
ous consideration. To be sure the office was not much 
sought after in tliose days, when neither the honor nor the 
emohiment was considered an object of ambition. 

Vermont Principles. — The principle of choosing men of 
high moral character and unblemished reputation for con- 
ducting the affairs of the government was early established. 
Any attempt to impair the purity of the ballot-box was 
denounced by the Legislature. The constitution declared 
that any elector who should receive "any gift or reward 
for his vote, in meat, drink, monies, or otherwise," should 
at that time forfeit his right to elect ; and that any person 
who should " directly or indirectly give, promise, or bestow 
any such reward to be elected," should because of it " be 
rendered incapable to serve for the ensuing year." It was 
also declared by the constitution that any one in the public 
service had a riglit to a reasonable compensation, but that 
this compensation ought not to be so large as to occasion 
many to apply for it. 

In the last speech which Governor Chittenden delivered 
before the Legislature, he enjoined upon its members the 
importance of choosing for their public servants men of 
''good moral character, men of integrity, and distinguished 
for wisdom and abilities." 

Vermont's loyalty to Congress was early demonstrated. 
Upon the passage of the Alien and Sedition Laws by Con- 
gress in 1798, when the legislatures of Virginia and Ken- 
tucky passed resolutions declaring these acts null and void 
and sent them to other States for approval, the Assembly of 
Vermont, in a dignified reply, denied the right of any State 



210 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

or States to sit in judgment on any act or acts of Con- 
gress, — tlins denying the doctrine of State Rights. 
Vermont's attitude toward slavery is well voiced in the 
decision of Judge Harrington, which is told in the follow- 
ing anecdote. 

The Missing Evidence. — A few years prior to Vermont's 
admission into the Union, Theophilus Harrington, who 
was noted for his odd ways and odd speeches, came to make 
his home in Vermont. He was j)ossessed of remarkable 
ability, which was at once recognized by the leading men of 
the State; and, as a judge of tlie Supreme Court, The- 
ophilus Harrington soon gained for himself great distinc- 
tion, though it is said that he frequently came into the 
court barefooted. 

In those days many cases came before the courts ques- 
tioning the right of a person to the land which he was oc- 
cupying. The claimant, to prove his right, was obliged to 
trace his title back to the original owner of the property. 
In 1803 a case of a different nature came up before Judge 
Harrington. It was that of a slave who had escaped from 
his master and had taken refuge in Vermont, but had been 
followed by his owner, who asked for a warrant that should 
give him power to take the slave home with him. He 
showed the bill of sale of the slave and also of the slave's 
mother. After he had presented what he considered ample 
proof that the slave was his property, the judge asked him 
if he had any further evidence and told him that he had 
not gone back to the original owner. Surprised and in- 
dignant at the judge's coolness, he impatiently inquired 
what other evidence he could ask. "A bill of sale from 
Almighty God," was the reply. That he was not able to 
produce, and the slave was set free. 



RAPID SETTLEMENT 



311 



State Capital ; First State House. — For many years the 
Legislature had no fixed place of meeting. Because of its 
being very nearly the geographical center of the State, 
Montpelier waS;, by act of the Legislature, in 1805, made the 
permanent seat of government, on these conditions : first, 
that tlie town of 
Montpelier should 
give the land for the 
State House and erect 
a suitable building by 
September of the year 
1808 ; second, that if 
the Legislature should 
ever cease to hold its 
sessions in Montpe- 
lier, the State should 
pay to that town the 
value of the property. 
Montpelier agreed to 

the conditions, Thomas Davis, of Montpelier, giving the 
land, valued at $2,000, and the town erecting a building 
at the expense of between eight and nine thousand dollars. 
The house was erected in time for the Legislature of 1808. 
It was located a few rods southeast of where the present 
building stands, and was a huge wooden structure of quaint 
fashion, three stories in height. This imposing edifice 
was heated by stoves, and had no lighting but that of the 
tallow candle. 

Representative Hall was on the first floor and occupied 
two stories. The seats in this hall were of pine plank and 
unpainted, with straight backs surmounted by a narrow 
plank which served as a desk. These were such a tempta- 




First State House, Montpelier. 



212 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

tion to the ever handy Yankee jack-knife that in twenty-five 
years they were literally whittled into uselessness. 

The third story, to which a winding staircase led, 
was occupied by Jefferson Hall, the Executive Council 
Chamber, committee rooms, etc. In the Council Chamber 
was a long table around which the Governor, Lieutenant- 
Governor, and Councilors sat, the Governor presiding at 
the head of the table. 



CHAPTER XXIV 

RELIGION" — EDUCATION — INVENTION" 

Church Denominations. — At the time Vermont entered 
the Union, her churches numbered very nearly one liun- 
dred, the majority of them being Congregational and Bap- 
tist. Both of these churches grew rapidly, and by the end 
of this period these two denominations alone had organ- 
ized churches to the number of one hundred and seventy- 
five or thereabouts. The Congregational church at 
Bennington, organized in 1762, was the first organized 
church in the State ; and the one at Newbury, two years 
later, probably the second. 

The Baptist churches were at this time confined mostly 
to the southern part of the State. Besides the regular 
preachers of this church, there were the itinerant preachers, 
often men of marked ability, but lacking education beyond 
the rudiments of common English and a thorough knowl- 
edge of the contents of the Bible. Through summer's 
heat and winter's cold they traversed the half-made roads 
and rough byways, often fording rivers and braving great 
dangers to carry the gospel from one solitary settlement to 
another. 

In the year 1796, Methodist churches first came into 
existence in the State. The work of the Methodists was 
divided either into "stations" or "circuits." A station 
was restricted to a single congregation ; while the circnit 

213 



214: VERMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMONTEES 

sometimes embraced a whole county, and by its means the 
doctrines of that church were carried to all parts of the 
State. The itinerant, or circuit preachers, as tliey were 
called, had regular appointments in all the towns in their 
circuits. To reach these towns they were obliged to travel 
on horseback over rough bridle-paths, oftentimes the only 
roads connecting the towns in the circuit, preaching oftener 
than otherwise in schoolhouses, barns, or in " God's first 
temples," the groves. Large crowds came to hear them ; for 
the people of those days would travel cheerfully many miles 
to hear a sermon, oftentimes on foot, but at best on horse- 
back or with no better conveyance than a rude wagon or sled. 

Late in the summer, after the harvests, the Methodists 
held camp-meetings in the woods, lit uj) at night by the 
glare of the pine knot. The Methodist preachers were 
preeminently men of prayer, and characterized by their 
great zeal in proclaiming the message of free salvation, 
which was in those days considered rank heresy by other 
evangelical churches in which the doctrine of foreordination 
was universally taught. In view of this fact, is it any 
wonder that the glad message was ushered in with enthusi- 
asm by the early Methodists ? 

You will remember that the royal charters had each 
granted two shai'es in every township for the use of the 
Episcopal Church, one to be used in the support of that 
church in the town in which it was granted, and the other 
for the Episcopal society in England, to be used for spread- 
ing the gospel in foreign parts. Although one share was 
set apart in each township for the first settled minister, in 
only one instance was this share taken up by an Episco- 
palian, and that was in Arlington. Most of these shares 
were taken up by Independents. 



KAPID SETTLEMENT 215 

Notwithstanding the provision made for this church in 
the early charters, its growth in Vermont was very slow. 
Up to the year 1800 its parishes numbered, in all, but 
twelve; and the number of communicants in all, taken 
together, was less than one hundred. None of the societies 
were able to maintain alone a clergyman ; and, as one has 
said, in writing a sketch of the early churchy " It might be 
said she dwelt in tents, for we cannot find that she possessed 
a single finished temple." As might be expected, the 
cause of the church suffered during the Kevolution on 
account of the hostile feeling which the people had toward 
England and English institutions. But, while the cause 
of the church seemed almost hopeless, it was kept alive 
by the faithfulness of the few, and preserved for better 
times. 

In most of the townships the lands granted for religious 
purposes, with the exception of the shares for the first 
settled ministers, lay uncultivated and uncared-for for 
many years. Their final disposition will be taken up under 
another head. 

There were also a few Universalist and Christian 
churches in Vermont during this period, and several 
societies of Quakers, who were exempted from military 
service because of their non-resistant principles. Graham, 
in his early history of Vermont, characterizes the last 
named as "industrious, quiet, peaceable, punctual, and 
exemplary people." 

In the town charters issued by the Vermont Legisla- 
ture, no provision was made for the Church of England ; 
but shares were set apart for the first settled minister, as 
in the royal charters, and also one for the support of a 
gospel ministry. For the building of the churches and the 



216 VERMONT FOE YOUNG VERMONTERS 

support of the ministers, the towns levied and collected 
taxes, and to hire and pay the minister was often the duty 
of the selectmen. Tithingmen and sometimes choristers 
also were chosen in town meeting. 

Schools and their Maintenance. — The thought of the 
Verinonters was too much engrossed by other matters to do 
much for the cause of education till after the close of the 
war. But they had maintained their common schools; 
and the advantages offered by them had been so well im- 
proved, that nearly all the inhabitants could read, write a 
legible hand, and had sufficient knowledge of arithmetic 
to transact ordinary business. In each of the New Hamp- 
shire grants, one share had been set apart for the support 
of the common schools. Our early Vermont legislators 
seem to have had in mind to do better things for the cause 
of education. Tliey not only declared that there ought to 
be one or more common schools in every town, a grammar 
school for every county, and a State university, but in their 
town charters made provision for all three by preserving a 
share for each purpose. 

After the close of the war, grammar schools and acad- 
emies sprang into existence so rapidly that before the end 
of this period they numbered more than twenty, and were 
scattered throughout the State. One of these, then known 
as the Rutland County Grammar School, now the Castleton 
State Normal School, is the oldest incorporated school in 
the State, being incorporated in 1787. Many of the 
grammar schools derived little benefit from the school 
lands, as more than half the town cliarters liad been 
granted by Governor Wentworth, and in these no provision 
had been made for schools of this class. This was espe- 
cially the case in the southern part of the State, In sever;*! 



EAPID SETTLEMENT 217 

counties, however, the grammar schools realized quite a 
revenue from the rental of school lands. 

There was also some realization of the need of trained 
teachers in those days, as we learn from the fact that in 
1791 a fall term of school was kept at Danby by Jacob 
Eddy, a Quaker, for the instruction of teachers ; and this 
was the first school expressly for teachers in the United 
States. 

In addition to the revenues derived from the rental of 
school lands, taxes were raised in each town for the support 
of the common schools. In 1783 a law was passed provid- 
ing for the divisions of towns into school districts. It 
directed that trustees should be appointed who should have 
a general superintendence over all the schools in the town, 
and that there should be a prudential committee in each 
district whose duty it should be to raise half the money 
needed for the support of schools on the grand list, and the 
other half in the same way or on the polls of the scholars, 
as the district itself should determine. 

Establishment of Colleges. — With a view to establishing 
a university in the State, the Assembly of Vermont reserved 
one right of land in all the townships, which they granted, 
for the use of such an institution. The land thus reserved 
amounted to 29,000. acres, lying chiefly in the northern 
part of the State. But nothing was done toward the estab- 
lishment of a university for several years after the close of 
the war. 

The union of New Hampshire towns east of Connecticut 
River with Vermont brought Dartmouth College within the 
limits of our State. After they had been ceded back to 
New Hampshire, on being requested to do so by President 
Wheelock, Vermont granted to Dartmouth College a town- 



218 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VEKMONTERS 

ship, which was named Wheelock, in the president's honor. 
This they did, thinking the college would be of great bene- 
fit to Vermont as well as to the world at large. Encouraged 
by President Wheelock's success, the trustees of the college 
asked further that the lands which had been reserved by 
royal charter for church glebes and for the propagation 
society, and that lands granted by Vermont for grammar 
schools and a university, should also be turned to their use ; 




Billings Library (University of Vermont), Burlington. 

and declared that they in return would take charge of 
educational matters in the vState of Vermont. 

This proposition gave rise to considerable controversy, 
and aroused some of the leading minds to the importance 
of establishing a university within their own limits, and 
one which they could call their own. Elijah Paine, of 
Williamstown, offered to give £3,000 toward the establish- 
ment of a college on condition that it should be located in 



EAPID SETTLEMENT 



219 



that town. Later Ira Allen doubled this offer, and also 
pledged a considerable sum besides, to be given by other 
individuals, for the establishment of a college that should 
be located at Burlington. After much discussion of the 
matter, in the year 1791, the site was fixed at Burlington ; 
and the University of Vermont was incorporated. Three 
years later the land was cleared, and a house was built for 
the president, which would accommodate himself and a few 



i^ 


M 


f, 


il '" 




ra 


m 




ffW'' 


,; "ML 


1-1.1 


fM 


jF^% 


r^Wf 


MllkiidBi 


■R r 1 


|J 


1 


■if! 


«f 


Bp 




^1 


f liiill] lililt ^c 










^Ir^^ 



Some of the Middleburv College buildings. 



students. Ten years later the erection of the university 
building was begun, and was so near completion that in 
1804 the first commencement exercises occurred. 

Middiebury College was incorporated November 4, 1800, 
and immediately organized with seven students and a faculty 
of two. President Atwater and Tutor Doolittle. It held 
its first commencement in 1802, having one graduate. As 
this institution received no revenue from the State lands. 



220 VERMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMONTEES 

from the beginning it' depended entirely on its tuition 
and the liberality of patrons for its support. 

For several years much controversy went on over what 
disposition should be made of the church glebes and land 
belonging to the propagation society, and in 1805 a law was 
passed appropriating the glebe lands to the support of 
schools. Those belonging to the propagation society were 
the subject of long and tiresome litigation, but after many 
years passed over to the Episcopal church in Vermont. 

Libraries. — Along the line of educational advancement 
were the circulating libraries, which were established in 
many towns at an early date. Probably the first Avas that 
of Brookfield. In the year 1793, fourteen years after the 
first settlement of that town and when the population 
numbered but 400, articles of agreement were drawn up 
and signed by forty persons giving rise to the " Public 
Library of Brookfield." The first membership fee was 
sixteen shillings, equivalent to $2.67 ; and for a long time 
this constituted the entire support of the library. This 
institution is still in existence and can boast of being the 
oldest library in the State. 

The year after the starting of the Brookfield library 
one was established at Montpelier. It consisted of 200 
volumes, mostly histories, biographies, and books of travel 
and adventure. There were no works of fiction, as these 
were believed to have an immoral tendency ; and no relig- 
ious books, as such might breed dissension, and thus 
hinder the very object of the institution, which was to 
benefit all denominations alike. Libraries soon followed 
at Bradford, Fairhaven, Eockingham, and Pittsfield. 

Early Newspapers ; Writers. — In the Capitol at Mont- 
pelier is an old printing-press, claimed to be the first print- 



RAPID SETTLEMENT 



221 



ing-press used on this continent north of Mexico. Brought 
from Enghmd, it was used successively in Cambridge, 
Mass. ; Norwich, Conn. ; aud Hanover, No H. ; and then 
made its way to Westminster, Vt. Here, in 1781, it was 
used for printing the Vermont Gazette, or Green Mountain 
Post-Boy, the first newspaper printed in the State. This 
was printed on a sheet, pot size, and 
issued every Monday. It had for its 
motto : 

Pliant as reeds where streams of free- 
dom glide, 

Firm as the hills to stem oppression's 
tide. 



This was p u b - 
lished but two years 
when the press was 
moved to Windsor, 
where it was used for 
the printing of the 
Vermont Journal and 
Universal Advertiser. 
Copies of both these 
papers may be seen, 
with the printing- 
press, at the Capitol. 

A short time after 




Old printing-press at the State House. 



the discontinuance of the first- 
named paper, the second Vermont newspaper was started 
at Bennington, and called The Vermont Gazette or Free- 
man's Depository. Through the columns of this paper 
Ethan Allen urged his fellow-citizens to act together in 
support of the liberty and independence of their State ; 



222 VEEMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMONTEES 

and his words, if not those of a polished rhetorician, were 
forcible in style and proved him a match for liis antago- 
nists on pai)er as well as in the field. Both the Vermont 
Journal and the Vermont Gazette continued for about a 
half century, when both were discontinued, the Vermont 
Journal to resume its publication after a time ; and that 
pai)er now claims to be the oldest newspaper in the State. 

The fourth Vermont newspaper was the Eutland 
Herald, which was first printed in 1792. This is still 
continued in weekly and daily issues, and is the second 
oldest newspaper of the State. 

The Vermont Watchman started under the name of 
the Vermont Precui'sor, at Montpelier, in 1796, and was 
the first newspaper of that city. The next year it assumed 
its present name. During this period over twenty news- 
papers were started in the State, but the majority of them 
were short-lived. 

Of the writers of this period little can be said. Aside 
from the pamphlets, some of which have already been 
mentioned, tliree histories of the State were written, all of 
which have their merits. These were by Samuel Williams, 
Ira Allen, and J. A. Graham. 

Dr. AVilliams' history was the standard work at that 
time and is still of great value ; Ira Allen's history breathes 
of the spirit of the times, but as it was written principally 
from memory, shows some confusion of dates ; Graham's is 
incomplete as a history, consisting merely of a series of 
letters setting forth principally the personal observations 
of the author. Principles of Government, by Nathaniel 
Chipman, and the Narrative of Captivity, by Ethan Allen, 
are also worthy of note. 

A Man of Genius. — Samuel Morey was a man endowed 



EAPID SETTLEMENT 223 

with great ingenuity and with superior mechanical and 
scientific talents. He possessed hirge estates on both sides 
of the Connecticut River, at Fairlee, Vt., and at Orford, 
N. H. He spent a part of his life on his estates at Orford 
and a part in Fairlee, and was living at the latter place at 
the time of his death. 

He was engaged very extensively in lumbering, and 
gave evidence of his engineering skill by building a chute 
on the mountain-side in which to slide the pine logs from 
inaccessible steeps to Fairlee Pond. This was some years 
before Napoleon procured lumber from the Alps in the 
same numner. 

When an attempt was made to open the Connecticut to 
navigation, it was Morey who planned and built the locks 
at Bellows Falls. 

^ Recognized as he was as a man of genius in those 
parts, perhaps it did not occasion any great surprise when, 
about the year 1791, the marvelous sight of a steamboat 
was seen making its way up the Connecticut River between 
Fairlee and Orford, It was a small craft, just large enough 
to contain Samuel Morey (the inventor), the machinery by 
which the boat was propelled, and a handful of wood. 

Morey afterward exhibited this model in New York to 
Chancellor Robert R. Livingston, Robert Fulton, and 
others. A few years later Robert Fulton launched the 
steamer Clermont on the Hudson River; and to him was 
given the name of being the inventor of the first success- 
ful steamboat. However, there seems to be good and suffi- 
cient authority for believing that this honor should have 
been awarded to Samuel Morey. 



16 



CHAPTER XXV 

OCCUPATIONS — COMMERCE 

Vermont Settled, — By the end of this period Vermont 
was practically settled, there being inhabitants in at least 
three-fourths of her towns. The dangers and privations 
of pioneer life were in the main at an end ; and tliese were 
indeed times of peace and plenty for tliose people whose 
simple manner of living demanded so little for their com- 
fort. Grist and saw mills were in operation all through 
the State, wherever the wild streams could be tamed for 
the turning of millstones. Where only the primeval 
forests with their giant trees had once been seen, fields 
and gardens teemed with a new life, that of grains, vegeta- 
bles, and fruit-trees, the last-named perhaps quickened to 
growth by the fact that every acre of forty growing fruit- 
trees was exempt from taxation. 

Bad Habits. — From the fruit of the apple-orchards great 
quantities of cider and cider-brandy were made. The cel- 
lar of every farmer who owned an apple-orchard had a gen- 
erous store of these beverages, and oftentimes of New Eng- 
land rum as well. Whisky, gin, and other liquors were 
also manufactured in large quantities. 

In those days everybody drank. It was considered no 
disgrace to wash down the Johnny-cake and plain dough- 
nuts with these drinks, and one of them formed a part of 
the daily meal. " A pint of rum to a pound of pork " was 

224 



EAPID SETTLEMENT 225 

the rule for workmen. It was customary to carry liquor 
into the field wherever men were at work in both the fore- 
noon and afternoon. One man had it announced from the 
pulpit one Sunday morning that the raising of his barn 
would not take place at the appointed time as his barrel 
of rum had not arrived. 

Drunkenness was a disgrace then as now ; but a man 
was never accused of being drunk so long as he could stand 
on his feet ; but when he failed to do this, he was open to 
the charge of intoxication and liable to suffer the conse- 
quences of his error. 

Men, and oftentimes women, smoked and took snuff. 
To be sure, the pipes were frequently home-made, the bowls 
of freestone or cob with elder stems, and a mixture of mul- 
lein leaves and mint was commonly used instead of tobacco. 

Taverns. — Taverns were placed at frequent intervals 
along the main roads, and plenty was always to be found 
there for the thirsty. The oldtime landlord received his 
guests with genuine hospitality, for of them he received 
all the latest news ; and he was an inquisitive man in those 
days, when newspapers were scarce and liable to be a week 
or two old on arrival. As the traveler told yarns, the land- 
lord made frequent trips to the fireplace, where the ever- 
ready flip-iron lay among the glowing embers. Even good 
old Governor Chittenden was an innkeeper and bartender 
as well, and no doubt as inquisitive as any of them. 

Sheep-Raising. — Wool-growing was profitable, and al- 
most every farmer had his flock of sheep. Judge Paine, of 
Northfield, is reported to have kept from fourteen to fifteen 
hundred sheep. He was also a pioneer in the manufacture 
of American cloths and built a factory in Northfield for 
the making of broadcloth, at a cost of 140,000, employing 



226 VEEMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMOXTEES 

about two hundred workmen. The wool from his sheep he 
manufactured into cloth, receiving thereby no small yearly 
revenue. 

Shearing-time was one of the great festivals of the year. 
Tliere were no social distinctions in those days ; and the 
shearers, who were oftener than otherwise neighbors of tlie 
hirer, were his equals, and were sure of the best entertain- 
ment that the house afforded. 




A group of Morgan horses. 

Merinos. — About tlieyear 1809, William Jarvis, our con- 
sul at Lisbon, brouglit about four thousand merinos to this 
country from Spain. These were confiscated from the 
flocks of the Spanish nobles. Flocks of pure blood, bred 
on the Jarvis estate at Weathersfield ''Bow" on the west 
bank of the Connecticut Eiver, could not be excelled by 
any in this country. From this time on there was marked 
improvement in the fineness and weight of Vermont wool, 
and the Vermont merinos soon gained for tlieuiselves a 
world-wide reputation. 



KAPID SETTLEMENT 227 

Morgan Horses. — Not less famons were the Morgan 
horses, a distinctive breed of horses which originated in 
Vermont. They were spirited animals, and noted for being 
excellent roadsters. 

Manufacturing. — Before the end of this period the peo- 
ple had begun to realize to some extent their resources, and 
also to make use of them. In several places there were 
manufactories for pottery ; axes, scythes, and nails were also 
made. Iron ore, found in the western part of the State and 
in the vicinity of Crown Point, was for a time quite exten- 
sively manufactured, but it did not prove profitable on ac- 
count of the poor quality of the ore, and was given up 
after a few years' trial. There were mills for the manu- 
facture of flaxseed oil ; and marble had begun to be worked 
on quite an extensive scale in Middlebury, where a mill for 
sawing marble was built in 1806. Marble was discovered 
and worked in Manchester nearly as early. There were 
also a number of fulling and carding mills. 

It was not, however, a period of manufacturing interests; 
and such articles as were manufactured were generally man- 
ufactured at home and for home use, as in the earlier days. 
Nevertheless a beginning had been made. 

Commerce. — During this period the incoming population 
afforded a ready market for much of the surplus products 
of the farms ; but there was still an overflow (or, as Gra- 
ham expresses it, a superfluity) that must find a market 
elsewhere. The chief articles of export were pot and pearl 
ashes and lumber. Graham says, "I have known 6,000 
barrels of potash to be sent out of the State in one season 
since the war." Maple-sugar and butter were also made in 
greater quantities than were needed for the home suj^ply. 
Williams reports that in 1791 two-thirds of the families 



228 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMOXTERS 

were engaged in maple-sugar making in the spring, and that 
they were able to make considerably more of that article 
than could be used by the people ; so that quite a quantity 
of it was carried to the country store, where it found a ready 
market and from whence it was shipped to the cities in 
considerable quantities. 

Here also was carried butter, the good, bad, and indif- 
ferent, where it was all packed together in firkins made at 
the local cooper shop, and then sent to market. We doubt 
if in those days of slow transportation its flavor was im- 
proved in the shipping ; but then, as now, it was good Ver- 
mont butter and everywhere it went in high favor with the 
city folk. Other articles of export were bar iron, nails, 
beef, pork, cattle, horses, cheese, flax, etc. The imports 
were chiefly articles of clothing, tea, coffee, salt, building 
material, and liquors. 

Trade was carried on with Massachusetts, Connecticut, 
New York, and Canada; but much the greater portion of 
it with New York and Canada. Trade with Boston and 
New York was carried on chiefly by sled or wagon over 
long and bad roads; and that with Connecticut and Canada 
by means of Connecticut River and Lake Champlain. The 
Connecticut River furnished the means for the transporta- 
tion of the lumber of the eastern part of the State to towns 
below; and the timber of the western part was shipped or 
rafted by Lake Champlain, the Richelieu and the St. Law- 
rence rivers to Quebec, where it found a ready market. 

Shipping on the Connecticut. — A kind of boat now ex- 
tinct was used on the Connecticut to carry the products of 
that valley to the towns below. They were called, in gen- 
eral, " Fall Boats," as they were able to pass through the 
locks which had been built upon the river at the falls. 



RAPID SETTLEMENT 229 

There were three of these locks on the river adjacent to 
Vermont. They were at Olcott Falls (now Wilder), Hart- 
land, and Bellows Falls. 

These boats were built of pine, were provided with masts 
and oars, and were of about twenty tons burden. Many of 
them were constructed at White and Wells rivers. They 
were run by "river-men," as they were called. As they 
had no cabins, their crews always boarded along the shore. 

The work of the oars, aided by the current, made the 
trip down stream an easy one ; but unless on the return 
the wind happened to be favorable, nothing availed but 
the '^ setting poles,"' which were spiked at the ends and 
some of tliem fifteen or twenty feet in length. By insert- 
ing these poles in the river-bed, the boats were pushed 
onward by main force. Most of the way the poles were 
worked by four men ; but in places where the stream was 
rapid, an extra force was taken on. In the most difficult 
places the boats were carried onward by " tracking," as the 
process was called when the boats were towed for a distance 
by horses, oxen, and sometimes men, harnessed to the work 
by means of a long rope. 

A loaded boat could travel up stream usually about a 
mile and a half an hour, but with a stiff breeze sometimes 
made five miles in the same length of time. 

Because of the difficulty of getting these boats up the 
river, they were often broken up and sold for lumber at 
Hartford, Conn., being replaced by new ones built during 
the following winter. Heavily loaded boats, too large to 
pass through the locks, would often come up from below as 
far as Bellows Falls, and were met there by smaller boats 
to which their merchandise was transferred and thus car- 
ried on to its destination. 



230 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMOXTERS 

Shipping on Lake Champlain. — Soon after tlie close 
of the Revolutionary War, the 2)eople of A^ermout, moi'e 
especially those of the northwestern part, oj)ened trade 
with Canada. Steps were taken to procure free trade with 
the province of Quebec and through that province with 
England. This was practically accomplished, as only peltry 
and a few foreign articles were excepted. 

In summer, enormous rafts of great pine logs bearing 
barrels of potash were often seen voyaging slowly down the 
lake to Canada ; sloops and schooners loaded with cargoes 
of wheat and potash followed in their wake ; while up the 
lake came Canadian vessels burdened with their cargoes 
of salt, "West India molasses, codfish. West India and 
Jamaica rum, and other products from across the seas. In 
winter, when lake and river became a plain of ice, this same 
traffic was carried on in sleighs that glided easily over the 
smooth ice. In 1808, the very next year after Fulton had 
launched the steamer Clermont on the Hudson, the second 
successful steamboat ever built was launched upon Lake 
Champlain ; and this was called the Vermont. This boat 
was able to travel at the rate of five miles an hour, and 
did good service for seven or eight years, when it was lost. 
It was not many years before this lake could boast some 
of the finest steamboats in the world. 

Smuggling. — The declaration of the Embargo Act by 
Congress, in 1808, forbidding trade with foreign countries, 
cut off this lucrative trade, and caused great distress to 
those Vermonters who lived along the lake shore. This 
gave rise to an extensive contraband trade ; and smug- 
glers boldly carried on their trade by night in armed bands. 
The revenue officers so feared these smugglers that they 
seldom ventured to interfere with them ; but there were 



EAPID SETTLEMENT 231 

at times conflicts between them and sometimes lives 
were lost. 

In 1808 a notorious smuggling vessel called the Black 
Snake was seized by a party of the militia a few miles 
up the Winooski. The smugglers fired upon the militia, 
killing three of their number. The offenders were tried 
for murder before the Supreme Court. One of them 
was sentenced to death, and three others to ten years' im- 
prisonment. 

TEST. 

1. The fifth period covers how many years ? 

2. What characterizes the period ? 

3. Why was Vermont better off than the other States at the close of 

the war ? 

4. Describe the currency issued by Vermont during lier independence. 

5. How was the controversy between New York and Vermont settled ? 
fi. When was Vermont admitted into the Union ? 

7. AVhat effect did this liave upon her subsequent history ? 

8. What was her representation in Congress, and how was it deter- 

mined ? 

9. What was the work of tlie Legislature ? 

10. How were roads constructed ? 

11. What counties were formed during this period ? 

12. Give something of a history of tlie early Vermont churches. 

13. How were the schools maintained ? 

14. What colleges were incorporated during the period ? Tell some- 

thing of their history ? 

15. What was the first library established in the State ? 

10. What is the oldest newspaper of the State ? The second oldest ? 

17 Name some of the Vermont writers of the day. 

18. Give an account of the politics of early Vermont. 

19. What principle was early established in the choice of puldic 

officers ? 

20. When was Montpelier made the permanent seat of government ? 

21. Describe the first State House. 

22. What were the prominent industries of this period ? 



232 VEEMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTEES 

23. Name four staple articles of export. 

24. Describe the shipping on the Connecticut. 

25. What effect did the Embargo Act have on the people of northern 

Vermont ? 

26. What was the first steamboat launched on Lake Champlain ? 

27. Locate Montpelier, Burlington, Bellows Falls, Danby, Wheelock, 

Fairlee, Hartland, Vergennes 



SIXTH PERIOD 



THE WAR OF 1812 

(1812-1814) 



CHAPTER XXVI 

A SECOND WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN" 

Declaration of War; its Causes. — For several years pre- 
ceding the War of 1812, a dark cloud had been gathering 
on the political horizon, which was destined to plunge the 
American nation into a second war with Great Britain. 
The events which led to open hostilities were numerous. 
Besides certain offensive acts of Parliament which affect- 
ed the American people, and English interference with 
American commerce, the British officers claimed the 
right to search American ships for English subjects, to 
reclaim those found, and to compel them to enter the 
British service in the war then going on with France. 
Neither were these officers overscrupulous in proving 
those they captured to be British subjects, but often took 
Americans as well. Such grievances led the United 
States to declare war against Great Britain, June 18, 
1812. 

The declaration of war was an act of the Eepublican 
party, which had at that time the ascendency, James 
Madison, the President, fully endorsing the act. But the 

233 



234 VERMONT FOR YOUXG VERMONTERS 

measure was not universally supported ; the Federal party, 
which was by no means a weak minority, was much 
opposed to the declaration, on the ground that the coun- 
try was not prepared for war. Prior to the formal declara- 
tion of war, President Madison had issued an order for 
100,000 militia, to be ready for action if needed, Vermont's 
quota to be 3,000 men. Jonas Galusha, also a Republican, 
who was then Governor of Vermont, immediately issued 
orders to raise the desired apportionment. 

Acts of the Vermont Legislature; the Result. — Tlie 
Vermont Legislature convened at Montpelier in October 
following the declaration of war. This Assembly author- 
ized the raising of troops for the service, and also levied 
additional taxes on lands for the support and arming of 
the militia. It also passed an act prohibiting any person 
from passing the Canada line, or transporting any mer- 
chandise or goods across the line, without permission of 
the Governor, under penalty of a $1,000 fine and seven 
years' im2)risonment. 

These measures were considered by many of the people 
as oppressive, and great bitteriiess of feeling sprang up 
between the two parties ; and many Vermonters, who had 
at first favored the war, now left the Republican ranks 
and went over to the Federal party. 

Fears of the Northern Towns. — As war with Great 
Britain became imminent, there was great consternation 
among the towns on the northern border of the State. On 
either side of this region lay a convenient lurking-place 
for the enemy : on the north, the Canadian wilds ; on the 
south, the scarcely broken forests of northern Vermont. 
These people had not yet forgotten the dangers to frontier 
towns during the Revolution, and their minds were filled 



THE WAR OF 1812 236 

with gloomy forebodings of horrible Indian massacres that 
might resnlt from the excitement of the Indians when 
they should once be pressed into English service. On the 
appeal of some of the towns, guards were established at 
Troy, Canaan, and Derby; but notwithstanding this 
precaution, many of the inhabitants abandoned their 
clearings and fled from the Missisquoi Valley to safer 
quarters. 

Preparations made. — During the latter part of the year 
1812, and the first half of 1813, no events of importance 
occurred within the vicinity of the Green Mountain State. 
The time was employed in the organization of troops for 
the United States service ; and these were stationed at 
Plattsbui'g under the command of Major-General Dear- 
born of New Hampshire. It was the duty of the troops 
stationed there to guard the northern frontier in tliis 
vicinity against British invasion from Canada. A force 
was also employed, under Colonel Clark of Castlelon, to 
prevent smuggling along the Canadian line. In the fall 
of 1812, Lieutenant MacDonough was put in command of 
the naval force on the lake, which then consisted of two 
sloops, the Growler and the Eagle, and two gunboats. 
During the winter another sloop was fitted up at Burling- 
ton and called The President. 

The Loss of the Growler and the Eagle. — Nothing 
worthy of note occurred on the lake until June of the 
year 1813. Lieutenant MacDonough had received intelli- 
gence that some British gunboats had taken some small 
craft at the north end of the lake ; and he now sent 
out from Plattsburg the two sloops. Growler and Eagle, 
under command of Lieutenant Smith, to destroy these 
boats, should they again appear on the lake. The next 



236 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

morning, as the American vessels neared the Canadian 
line, they discovered the enemy's gunboats and at once 
gave chase. The wind was in their favor and they pur- 
sued the fleeing vessels until tliey found themselves within 
firing distance of the British works at Isle auk Noix, 
Finding that they had run into a dangerous position, they 
tried to retreat, but were unable to do so. The wind, 
which had favored them in their advance, now worked to 
their disadvantage ; and battling against the wind and 
current as well, they were able to make but little headway. 
Moreover, the Eagle had run into shallow water near the 
shore and, becoming grounded, was unmanageable. The 
enemy began an attack both by land and water ; and, after 
four hours of hard fighting, both sloops were captured by 
the British, with all on board. These sloops wei'e a boon 
to the enemy, who had them refitted, their names changed 
to Finch and Chub, and, later appearing with them on 
the lake, used them against the American cause. 

Barracks destroyed at Plattsburg. — The very next 
month the British appeared on the lake with the cap- 
tured sloops, some gunboats, and other craft, and made a 
voyage up the lake to Plattsburg. Here they landed, 
about 1,400 strong. The American troops had, previous 
to this time, been ordered to Sackett's Harbor on Lake 
Ontario, leaving the town in a defenseless condition. With 
little to hinder them, the British destroyed the American 
barracks, estimated to be worth $25,000, and plundered 
also the village, destroying both public and private prop- 
erty. The public stores had, before this time, been re- 
moved to Burlington, v/here Major-General Hampton was 
in command of about four thousand men ; and thither the 
enemy now proceeded. They fired a few shots upon the 



THE WAR OF 1812 237 

town ; but, as soon as the batteries on shore opened fire 
upon them, they withdrew. 

Two Raiding Parties. — Late in the summer, several 
companies of Vermont men, who were with General Wil- 
kinson at Sackett's Harbor, took part in the unsuccessful 
battle of Clirysler's Field on the St. Lawrence. About the 
same time Colonel Clark made a raid into the enemy's 
country in order to attack a British force at Missisquoi 
Bay. He completely surprised the enemy. AVith a com- 
pany of 102 Vermont men he took 101 prisoners, deliv- 
ering them to General Hampton at Burlington, without 
the loss of a man. Of the British nine had been killed 
and fourteen wounded. 

In the December following, a British raiding party de-" 
stroyed the barracks at Derby and carried away the sup- 
plies that had been left there for the American army. 

Work suspended at the University of Vermont. — Be- 
cause of the war the work of the university was much dis- 
turbed ; and at lengt i it became ' necessary to suspend it 
altogether. During t e summer of 1813 large quantities 
of military stores wer . deposited in the university build- 
ing ; and a guard ol soldiers was stationed there. The 
next year the building was rented for the use of the 
American army. It was not until the close of the war 
that the building was evacuated, and the work of the col- 
lege could be resumed. 

A Change of Administration in Vermont. — As time 
went on, the Republican party became more and more un- 
popular in the State. By the time the elections were held 
in the fall of 1813, party spirit was wrought to so high a 
pitch that the harmony, which had hitiierto existed be 
tween families of the opposite parties, was pretty generally 



238 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMOXTERS 

destroyed. When the Assembly convened it was found 
that neither candidate for Governor had been elected by 
the people ; and it was then the duty of the Assembly to 
make a choice. After several trials, Martin Chittenden, 
the son of Thomas Chittenden, the Federal candidate, was 
elected by a small majority. The Federalists, being now 
the dominant power, repealed the oppressive laws of the 
previous administration. One of the Governor's first acts 
was to recall a brigade of Vermont militia, which had been 
drafted into service, and was then stationed at Plattsburg. 
He urged that the militia of Vermont was needed for the 
defense of their own State and that, moreover, it was un- 
constitutional to call the militia beyond the limits of the 
State without the permission of the Governor. The offi- 
cers of the brigade returned insolent protest and refused 
to obey their commander-in-chief ; but the militia returned 
to their homes before their term of enlistment had ex- 
pired. The matter soon blew over and no farther notice 
was .taken of it by either side. 

A Fleet built. — In December, MacDonough withdrew 
from the stormy lake into the more peaceful Otter Creek 
for the winter. Although the fleet had been somewhat 
strengthened, he well knew that he had no naval force fit 
to cope with that of the British ; and he now put forth 
every effort to get in readiness one of sufficient strength 
for the purpose. As early as possible in the spring of 
1814, the work of constructing such a fleet was commenced 
at Vergennes. On every side the woods resounded with 
the dull thud of the ax and the crash of falling timbers, 
while at the same time a throng of ship carpenters were 
working steadily at the water's edge, and furnaces were 
constantly casting cannon-shot for the use of the speedily 



THE WAR OF 1812 



239 



growing fleet. It is said that during tlie war A'ergennes 
cast 177 tons of cannon-shot for the use of the govern- 
ment. The work was pushed with sucli vigor that early 
in May the sloop Saratoga and several gunboats, all fra- 
grant with the woodsy odor of the green timbers, were 
ready for service ; and they now dropped down the river 
to join the rest of the fleet. 




Falls of the Otter Creek, at Vergennes. 

Early in April, tlie British had been seen upon the lake 
with a considerable fleet, and their movements were such 
as to indicate that they were designing an attack upon the 
fleet which was being built at Vergennes. 

To guard the shipping and the public property on the 
lake. Governor Chittenden ordered out the militia, a part 
to be posted at Burlington, and a still greater force at Ver- 
gennes. A battery was then constructed at the mouth of 
17 



240 VERM0:N^T for YOUXG VERMONT ERS 

the Otter Creek and placed under the command of Stephen 
Cassin. 

A Fleet Saved. — How the Americans saved this newly 
constructed fleet is worthy of special notice. On May 14, 
the British appeared in force at the mouth of the Otter 
Creek and opened a spirited fire upon the battery, with a 
view to silencing that, and then passing up the river and 
destroying the fleet, before it should be ready for service. 
But the garrison and the Vermont militia made determined 
resistance ; and the sudden appearance of MacDonough, 
who now moved down the river, with such vessels as were 
fitted for action, and joined in the battle, had the effect of 
causing the British to withdraw. The combined efforts of 
fleet and garrison had proved too much for the British, and 
instead of destroying a fleet they had lost two of their 
■boats. 

The importance of this victory can hardly be overesti- 
mated ; for, if the garrison of the little battery, which has 
since borne the name of Fort Cassin, had been less gallant, 
our fleet would, in all probability, have been destroyed ; 
and the brilliant victory, which followed four months later 
at Plattsburg, would have been an impossibility. 

Plans for the Campaign of 1814. — It was the plan of the 
cabinet to invade Canada from three distinct quarters ; 
Detroit, the Niagara River, and Lake Champlain. This 
was for the purpose of reducing British strongholds and 
cutting off the communications of the enemy. In the dis- 
tribution of forces for this end, a portion of the Vermont 
militia was sent to join General Scott in the expedition 
against the Niagara frontier ; and the remainder was re- 
served for service in the Champlain region. The British, 
who had been greatly reenforced from England, were also 



THE WAR OF 1812 241 

designing a campaign into the United States territory by 
way of the Champlain Valley. 

The British Invasion ; the Call to Arms. — Early in Sep- 
tember, the British Governor Prevost crossed the line into 
New York State at the head of 14,000 men, and advanced 
toward Plattsburg. Plattsburg was then garrisoned by 
barely 2,000 effective men, under command of General 
Macomb, the main body of the army having been ordered 
to the Niagara frontier some time before. 

Sir George Prevost, like Burgoyne of Revolutionary 
times, issued a proclamation, assuring the men who were 
not under arms tliat he had no designs against them, and 
that their property would not be molested, should they re- 
main quietly at home. But the proclamation did not have 
the effect he had intended it should have. It informed the 
people of the proposed invasion and gave them opportunity 
to make preparations for defense. 

The invasion of our territory by the enemy had the effect 
of uniting the two parties ; and the animosity which had 
hitherto existed began to abate. Both parties saw that the 
good of their country demanded united action until the war 
should come to a successful termination ; and so when Gov- 
ernor Chittenden issued a call for volunteers and General 
Macomb sent messengers into the surrounding country with 
urgent appeals for assistance, the response was both prompt 
and generous. Veterans of the Revolution, middle-aged 
men, and boys, without distinction of party, shouldered 
their muskets and hastened on to the defense of Plattsburg, 
bearing the customary evergreen badge of their State in their 
hats. 

Sir George Prevost arrived before Plattsburg September 
6, and began making active preparations for the coming 



242 VERMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMONTERS 

conflict. It was generally understood that it was the de- 
sign of the British to inflict a double blow by attacking 
both by land and water at the same time. MacDonough's 
fleet had now been at Cumberland Bay opposite Plattsburg 
for about a week ; and there he determined to await the 
approach of the enemy's fleet, which was then on the way 
from Canada. 

The Battle of Plattsburg. — On the south side of the 
Saranac Eiver, which runs through the village of Plattsburg, 
was the principal American fort ; and here, ou the morning 
of Sej)tember 11, stood an army of about 5,000 men (prob- 
ably half of them Vermont troops) ready for action. On 
the north side of the river and confronting them were 14,000 
of the best English troops, glorying in their strength and 
cofjfldent of success. 

At eight o'clock that morning the lookout boat an- 
nounced the appearance of the British fleet, which was then 
rounding Cumberland Head and which soon appeared be- 
fore the American fleet. MacDonough's vessels were an- 
chored in a line parallel to the west shore. At the head of 
the line at the north was the brig Eagle, next the Saratoga, 
MacDonough's flag-ship, next the schooner Ticonderoga, 
and last the sloop Preble at the south end of the line, close 
to Crab Island shoal. Forty rods in the rear lay ten gun- 
boats, placed mostly in the intervals between the larger 
vessels. At nine o'clock the enemy's fleet came to anchor 
about three hundred yards from ours, arranged in much 
the same manner, with Captain Downie's flag-ship, the 
Confiance, to oppose the Saratoga. 

At nine o'clock the British squadron bore down upon 
MacDonough's fleet. The British fleet consisted of two 
more vessels than the American fleet, carrying more guns 



THE WAR OF 1812 243 

and a greater force of men (probably about one thousand 
men). The battle now raged for over two hours, when the 
British fleet surrendered. It had been one of the hottest 
naval battles ever fought ; and at its close not a mast 
upon which a sail could be hoisted was standing on either 
squadron. 

The British lost in killed and wounded one-fifth of 
their number, among whom was Captain Downie ; the 
Americans lost one-eighth. The sloops. Chub and Finch, 
which had the year before been taken by the British, were 
recaptured ; but the British gunboats escaped because the 
Americans had no means of pursuit. 

The opening of the naval battle was the signal for the 
attack of the British land force. On the instant a furious 
fire began from the batteries upon the American works. 
The British at the same time tried to cross the river with 
a view to assault the works, but were everywhere met with 
determined, resistance. The British kept up a fire from 
their batteries till sundown ; and then they began a hasty 
retreat, leaving vast quantities of their stores and ammu- 
nition. In both engagements the British had lost in killed 
and wounded about 2,500 men, the Americans not more 
than 150. Three days later the Vermont volunteers were 
discharged. 

Duration and Outcome of the War. — The defeated Brit- 
ish at once withdrew to Canada, and did not again invade 
the territory of the United States. The Vermonters had 
acquitted themselves with distinction wherever they had 
served, their most effective work being of a defensive 
rather than of an aggressive nature. They had done their 
full part in repelling the enemy. 

The war had now lasted about two years, and in a few 



244 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

months came to an end. Althoiigli the treaty of peace 
made no mention of the chief cause of the war (the im- 
pressment of American seamen), it was thereafter tacitly 
understood by all Englishmen that our ships were not to 
be meddled with ; and since that time they never have 
been. 

TEST. 

1. What was the chief cause of the War of 1812 ? 

2. On declaration of war, what action was taken by the Vermont 

Legislature ? 

3. What precautions were taken by some of the northern towns ? 

4. What preparations for service were made in the vicinity of the 

Green Mountain State ? 

5. Tell the story of the loss of the two sloops, Growler and Eagle. 

6. What subsequently became of these two sloops ? 

7. Why was the work of the University of Vermont suspended dur- 

ing this war ? 

8. Give an account of the building of the American fleet. 

9. What attempt was made to destroy it, and with what result ? 

10. Describe the battle of Plattsburg. 

11. What had been the Vermonters' part in the War of 1812 ? 

12. How had they acquitted themselves ? 

13. What was the outcome of the war ? 

14. Locate Troy, Canaan, Derby, Plattsburg, Burlington, Vergennes. 



SEVENTH PERIOD 



TRANSITIONS 

(1814-1861) 



CHAPTER XXVII 

SOCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, AND COMMERCIAL CHANGES 

Lasting Effects of the War; Nature of this Period. — 

The war closed, the State again entered upon an era of 
peace and prosperity ; but the war had left its impress. 
Vermont could never thereafter be considered a purely 
agricultural State. The interruption of its trade with 
foreign countries called its attention to the subject of 
manufacturing to supply the need of such goods as were 
formerly imported into the State; and, as a result, manu- 
facturing received an impulse at that time which was last- 
ing in its effects. Another change which was the direct 
outcome of the war was in regard to the commerce of the 
State, both of which subjects will be considered in their 
order. 

We have called this period the period of transitions ; 
and such it was indeed. In the half century which it in- 
cluded, the changes came slowly, to be sure; but they 
were manifold and included not only those of an industrial 
and commercial nature, but of a social as well. It was an 
era of internal improvement and progress along many 

245 



346 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

lines. Governors Galusha and Skinner, wlio served the 
State for the next eight years following the war, greatly 
encouraged manufacturing ; and the Legislature of the 
State gave the subject special thought, a report of the com- 
mittee on manufacturing declaring that ''Vermont can 
raise as fine wool as any quarter of the globe, and her 
mountains roll down her thousand streams to aid us in its 
manufacture. It also abounds in ores and minerals, and 
forests upon which the industry and ingenuity of our citi- 
zens might operate with great advantage, could sufficient 
capital be allured to those objects by the patronage of our 
laws." 

Poverty Year. — The land was generally productive and 
yielded bountiful harvests ; but the year 1816 proved an 
exception, and was, indeed, a trying one for Vermont 
farmers. There was frost every month in the year ; and in 
June snow fell to the depth of several inches throughout 
the State. This caused a general failure of the crops and 
a corresponding scarcity of provisions. For this reason the 
year 1816 is known in the annals of Vermont as "Poverty 
Year." 

The making of potash was still a prominent industry ; 
and, as this product could always be sold for cash, it was 
the main reliance of the people, during this year, in some 
parts of the State. 

None of the crops came to maturity ; and in the town 
of Coventry wheat was harvested while yet in the milk. 
This, after being dried in the oven, was mashed into dough, 
and baked or boiled like rice. 

Abijah Knight of that town found his stock of pro- 
vision reduced to less than a loaf of bread for a family of 
seven. A neighbor, Mathias Gorham, . with a family of 



TEANSITIONS 247 

equal size, had no bread at all. Sharing his loaf with his 
more destitute neighbor, Mr. Knight, accompanied by Mr. 
Gorham, went to Barton with a load of salts. This he 
exchanged for corn, fish, rice, and the like, which they 
carried home on their backs, a distance of twelve miles. 
To make amends for a day of fasting, the two families no 
doubt enjoyed a hearty supper. This was but one of 
many similar cases of hardship experienced during that 
year. 

Commerce by Navigation. — The people of the Cham- 
plain Valley had, previous to the war, carried on most of 
their trade with Canada ; but the Non-Intercourse Act put 
an end to this trade for a time, and forced the people to 
look elsewhere for a market for their surplus products. 
They now opened a trade with Troy, Albany, and New 
York, carrying their goods by water to Whitehall, thence 
by land to Albany, and on to New York by means of the 
Hudson River. The boats on their return trips brought 
merchandise from those cities to supply Vermont mer- 
chants. Trade was resumed with Canada on the restora- 
tion of peace, but it was much less in amount than pre- 
viously. The tide of commerce had been turned south- 
ward, and so it has continued to flow ever since. 

The lumber trade continued to be mostly with Canada 
until 1823, when the Champlain Canal was opened between 
Whitehall and Troy ; it was then divided, and much of the 
trade thereafter went southward. The first boat to pass 
through this canal was the Gleaner, loaded with wheat 
and potash from the vicinity of St. Albans. Burlington, 
with its excellent harbor, naturally became the center of 
trade for northwestern Vermont. The shipping increased 
rapidly, and by the middle of this period there were over 



248 VERMOXT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

one hundred vessels (six of which were propelled by steam) 
in service on Lake Champlain ; and over two-thirds of 
these were owned by Vermont parties. 

Fall boats still plied the Connecticut River in trade 
with towns below and with New York ; but steamboats 
had traversed the lake upon our western borders nearly a 




The Connecticut River, at Bellows Falls. 

score of years before they appeared on the waters adjacent 
to eastern Vermont. However, if steam navigation was 
profitable on Lake Champlain, it did not prove so on the 
upper Connecticut. 

The first attempt to navigate the Connecticut above 
tide-water was made in 1837, when the Barnet came up 
as far as Bellows Falls, but went no farther, as it could 



TRANSITIONS 349 

not pass through the canal. Two or tliree years later, the 
Vermont succeeded in passing Bellows Falls ; but the 
locks at Ottaquechee were too narrow to admit it, so 
Windsor marks practically the limits of the Vermont's 
advance northward. In 1831 the John Ledyard advanced 
to Wells River. The Connecticut Valley Steamboat Com- 
pany finally had a fleet of six steamboats, three of wliich 
were built in Vermont : The Adams Duncan, at White 
River ; the David Porter, at Hartland ; and the AVilliam 
Holmes, at Bellows Falls ; but they could not be made to 
pay, and the company soon failed. 

Overland Commerce. — Although a portion of the com- 
merce of eastern Vermont was carried on by means of 
river navigation, by far the greater part of its trade was 
overland to Boston. The trade of southwestern Vermont 
was mostly with Whitehall and Troy. Four-horse wagons, 
loaded with merchandise, went everywhere among the in- 
land towns, exchanging their merchandise for the products 
of the farms. In winter, when the sledding was good, the 
farmer often loaded his sled with wool, grain, pork, maple- 
sugar, cheese, butter, and whatever else he had to spare, 
and would drive a span of good horses to Troy, Albany, or 
Boston, where he would sell his goods or exchange them 
for merchandise. Late in the summer or early autumn, 
he drove great herds of cattle to the same markets ; and 
fortunate indeed was the boy who was allowed to go along 
as drover's boy, and thus get his first glimpse of the wide, 
wide world. Such were the means of carrying on commerce 
until the advent of the railroad, which superseded in a 
great degree those slower methods of transportation. 

Modes of Travel. — Two-horse, four-horse, and six-horse 
stage-coaches, carrying passengers and mail, passed over 



250 VERMONT FOR YOUXG VERMOXTERS 

the stage routes, one of which extended from Burlington 
to White River Junction, over the old French road. 

There was still also much journeying on horseback; but 
families going on distant visits went, as a rule, in their 
own conveyances, rude vehicles which jolted in a most un- 
comfortable manner over the rough stony roads. Oftener 
than otherwise, they carried their own provisions for the 
journey, much to the disgust of the tavern-keepers. This 
was called traveling " tuckanuck." 

The Home Life. — For years after the opening of this 
period there were no marked changes in the social condi- 
tion of Vermont people ; but gradually the crude ways of 
early home life gave way to more luxurious living. The 
log house was less common than heretofore, and the more 
pretentious frame house more frequently seen. The best 
apartment in the latter was the square room, and this 
was opened only on occasions. It was fitted up with fur- 
niture made at home or at the local cabinet, was lighted 
by candles made in molds and held by iron, brass, or 
silver candlesticks, and could often boast the luxury of a 
rag carpet. The kitchen was still the family sitting-room, 
and around the glowing fireplace the family gathered of 
an evening. As of yore, it was a busy place for old and 
young. The grandfather was still there with his stories of 
pioneer life and wars in which he had fought, one and 
mayhap two of them ; and the children listened to them as 
eagerly as in former days. If the schoolmaster happened 
to be boarding his time with the family, the program was 
varied for the time being ; and the master of learning read 
from the latest newspaper, perhaps two weeks old, or from 
some book of history or adventure seasoned with age. 

On Sunday the well-to-do of the women and girls wore 



TEANSITIONS 



251 



calico dresses instead of homespun, or more rarely those 
of silk, pnrchased of a traveling peddler or obtained at the 
country store in exchange, perhaps, for woolen socks, 
mittens, or coarse homespun fashioned by the busy house- 
wife. 




A Franklin stove. 



Neither the mortar and pestle nor the plumping-mill 
was much used now, for nearly every community had its 
grist-mill. 

On the coming of the Franklin stove the fireplaces were 
closed up in the homes of many of the upper class, except 
in the kitchen, where there was still to be seen the great 
fireplace, on one side of which was the brick oven and on 
the other the great arch for boiling water. Long before 



252 VEEMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

the end of the period, heating-stoves of other make and 
clumsy cook-stoves found their way into the home ; but 
these stoves were all great wood-eaters, though less so than 
the open fireplace. The stove, like everything new, had 
its enemies, and was not everywhere a welcome comer. In 
B. H. Hall's Eastern Vermont he thus tells of its intro- 
duction into the church of Westminster : 

" For years, every old lady used regularly to bring her 
foot-stove to meeting ; and the warmth of her feet was of 
great service, no doubt, in increasing the warmth of her 
heart. But when a new-fashioned, square-box, iron stove 
was introduced within those sacred precincts, with a laby- 
rinth of pipe, bending and crooking in every direction, the 
effect was fearful. Two or three fainted from the heat 
it occasioned, and shutters suflBcient would not have been 
found to carry the expectant swooners to more airy places, 
had not the old deacon gravely informed the congregation, 
that the stove was destitute of both fire and fuel." 

It may be added here tliat Sunday-scliools were estab- 
lished early in this period, the first being held in a barn at 
Greensboro in 1814. 

Change in Industries. — The coming of civilization drove 
the beaver, that lover of solitude, to the north ; game of 
all kinds grew scarcer, and hunting or trapping as an occu- 
pation ceased to be profitable. Mills and factories of divers 
kinds multiplied, prominent among which were the woolen 
and cotton factories, fulling and carding mills, paper-mills, 
potteries, etc. There were also many tanneries and carriage 
and cabinet shops. Tailors, shoemakers, and blacksmiths 
were also numerous. The charcoal-pit was a frequent 
sight, for the blacksmith used a great deal of charcoal 
in those days when many of the household utensils and 



TRANSITIONS 253 

farming tools were fashioned by his hand. If a bolt were 
needed, the blacksmith selected a suitable rod and from it 
shaped the bolt. He also made the horseshoes and the nails 
with Avhich he fastened them on, and many of the nails 
used by the carpeuters were also the product of his craft. 

When it became cheaper to buy linen than to manufac- 
ture it, the growing of flax was abandoned ; as cloth-weav- 
ing factories multiplied, gradually the work of the spinning- 
wheel and hand-loom became lost arts ; when wood became 
more valuable than its ashes, the manufacture of pot and 
pearl ash was discontinued ; as the hemlock forests tliinned 
upon the hillsides, the inimerous tanneries fell into disuse ; 
and when, on the opening of the Erie Canal, in 1825, large 
quantities of wheat were brought into the East from the 
fertile plains of the West, it was no longer profitable for 
Vermont farmers to raise it, and tliereafter that crop was 
greatly diminished. The production of wool continued to 
be a most important industry throughout the period, both 
for home use and for export. From statistics of the year 
1840 Ave find that two of the staple products of early Ver- 
mont could no longer be called such. They were wheat 
and pot and pearl ash. Quarrying, which during this era 
began to assume some prominence as an industry, will be 
considered under a separate head. 

The Invention of the Square. — Not long after the close 
of the War of 1812, Silas Hawes, a blacksmith living in 
§outh Shaftsbury, came into the possession of some old 
steel saws and conceived the idea of making from them rules 
or squares, such as are now used by carpenters to measure 
and square work by. Making a few by hand, he found he 
could readily sell them for six or seven dollars apiece ; for 
carpenters everyAvhere were eager to buy them. Encour- 



254 VEEMONT FOR YOUXC VERMONTERS 

aged by their ready sale, he obtained a patent, and in 1817 
established a manufactory. It was not long before the steel 
squares of Silas Hawes had made him famous throughout 
the country. A large and prosperous business was thus 
built up, which exists to this day, and now goes by the 
name of the Eagle Square Company. 

Other Permanent Institutions. — After the establishment 
of the Eagle Square Company, other permanent institu- 
tions came into existence, prominent among which were the 
following : The Bank of Burlington and the Bank of 
Windsor, in 1818 ; the Vermont Mutual Fire Insurance 
Company of Montpelier, in 1828 ; the Fairbanks Scale 
AVorks at St. Johnsbury, in 1830 ; the Tnttle Company, 
publishers, at Rutland, in 1832 : the Brattleboro Retreat 
for the Insane at Brattleboro, in 1836 ; and the National 
Life Insurance Company of Montpelier, in 1850. 

Vermont's Mineral Wealth. — The enormous mineral 
wealth of the State lay for years hidden and but little 
worked. There was marble in the western portion of the 
State ; granite, in the central and eastern ; and slate, in 
"Washington County and along the Avestern border of Rut- 
land County, besides soapstone, lime, and kaolin in various 
places. 

Metals. — Although a variety of metals have been found 
in the State, few of them have been mined to any great 
extent. Since its discovery in 1809, copperas has been 
manufactured in considerable quantities in Strafford ; and 
copper, discovered in 1820, was mined in large quantities 
in both Corinth and Vershire. 

Marble; Granite Black marble was worked on Isle 

La Motte before the Revolution. At the opening of this 
period mills for sawing marble were in operation in several 



TRANSITIONS 



255 



places in the State, among them Middlebur}', Manchester, 
and Swanton. After the opening of the Champhiin Canal, 
Swan ton carried on quite an extensive trade with New 
York in hearths, mantels, and gravestones, sawed out of 
the variegated marble of that vicinity and of black marble 




Part of a marble quarry, West Rutland. 



from Isle La Motte. But no quarries were opened previous 
to the year 1840 when William F. Barnes opened one in 
West Eutland. The marble industry in this section grew 
slowly at first, partly because of the difficulty of transpor- 
tation. The nearest shipping point was at Whitehall, 

twenty-five miles distant, and all the marble had to be 
18 



256 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

hauled there by horses or oxen, as there were no railroads 
in those days. Besides this, people doubted the durability 
of the marble ; but sixty years and more of exposure has 
proved it to excel in quality that of any foreign country. 
After the building of the railroad, tlie marble business of 
Rutland began to assume greater proportions. 

Granite was discovered and worked to some extent nearlv 




Section of a granite quarry, Woodbury. 



as early as marble, but the industry was of slow growth. 

Slate. — Slabs of slate were used by the pioneers for 
tombstones, which, with their crude lettering and strange 
epitaphs, may still be seen in many old graveyards. No 
quarries, however, were opened till 1839, when one was 
opened at Fair Haven by Colonel Alanson Allen. In 1845 
he began the manufacture of school slates, using a new and 



TEANSITIONS 257 

original way of polishing the shites. When the slates had 
been cut the proper size, they were rubbed to the right 
thickness with sand and water. The sand marks were then 




View in a slate quarry in western Vermont. 

removed with a sharp knife and the slates rubbed smooth 
with putty. That very year German slates came upon the 
market and were sold at such low prices that Allen soon 
found he could no longer manufacture his slates at a profit. 



258 VEEMONT FOE Y0U:NG VEKMONTEKS 

Slate for roofing was then substituted, and skilled quarry- 
men came over from Wales in large numbers to work in the 
quarries. To-day the greater portion of the population of 
Fair Haven, Poultuey, and Pawlet are Welsh, or of W^elsh 
descent. Before 1840 or 1845 slate quarrying could hardly 
be called a State industry. At any rate, it was of so little 
importance that Thompson scarcely mentions it in the 
1842 issue of his Vermont history. 



CHAPTER XXVIII 

PASSING OF THE OLD STOCK — EDUCATIONAL 

Emigration ; Immigration. — Emigration westward be- 
gan at an early date, when vast tracts of the virgin forests 
still awaited the ax and plow. Tales of a mild climate and 
wide-spreading acres of rich lands unencumbered by wood- 
land growth, allured many a hard-working man, who had 
become tired of warfare with the deep-rooted forests and 
the biting winters of the Green Mountain State. 

The first to migrate traveled in emigrant wagons, whose 
rounded tops sheltered from the inclemencies of the 
weather both the family and such few household goods as 
were indispensable to the gipsy sort of life on the way, and 
a simple beginning in the land of their adoption. These 
vehicles were not unlike, in appearance, the rounded roofs 
that once sheltered the Algonquin Indians. Similar equi- 
pages may still be seen in the Far West, where they are 
known as ''' prairie schooners." 

On the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825, emigration 
was made more convenient ; and the new thoroughfare was 
at once thronged with victims of the " Western fever" from 
all of the New England States, Vermont among the number. 
And westward has the tide of emigration continued to flow 
ever since ; for, later in the period, the opening of the rail- 
way systems into the West made an additional drain upon 
Vermont as well as upon the entire East. 

359 



260 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

We are proud to say that wherever Verinonters have 
gone to help build up new commonwealths, they have 
been characterized by their ability and integrity ; and, the 
country over, men are proud to own that they are native 
Vermonters. 

In spite of the drain on Vermont's population, she has 
always managed to keepher number good through a foreign 
element, which, it cannot be denied, poorly compensates 
for the loss of the old stock. The first immigrants to come. 




Emigrant (Conestoga) wagon and carriages. 

in any considerable numbers, were from Canada ; and ever 
since they have continued to come, and now form a large 
per cent of our foreign population. 

The Catholic Church. — Tliere seem to have been but 
few Catholics in the State previous to the year 1830, and 
no Catholic Church organizations. During that year the 
Rev. Jeremiah O'Callaghan, a Catholic missionary, entered 
the State ; and not long afterward two others came. Three 
years later the first Catholic church was erected in Burling- 
ton. From that time on, there was a steady growth of the 



TEANSITIONS 261 

church, owing to the rapid incoming of the Frencli and 
Irish ; and before the end of this period numerous congre- 
gations had come into existence. 

Temperance Reform. — As distilleries became more 
numerous in the State, the people began to realize the 
evils of intemperance ; and early in this period temper- 
ance reform began. Some of the farmers would no longer 
keep up the custom of giving liquor to their help in 
haying-time or when a house or barn was to be raised ; 
and this for a time made them unpopular, as they who 
array themselves against any established custom are liable 
to become. 

A temperance society was formed as early as 1829, with 
the object of banishing alcohol from use as a beverage ; 
and this society held its meetings annually in Montpelier. 
Town and county temperance societies were also formed in 
all parts of the State. Gradually the leaven worked and a 
better sentiment prevailed in regard to the cause of tem- 
perance, which finally became a matter of legislation. 
About the middle of this century Maine passed a prohibi- 
tory law, and Vermont soon followed her lead. 

Establishment of Schools. — Between the years 1810 and 
1840 over thirty secondary schools came into existence. 
These were, in the main, county grammar schools and 
academies. One was a normal school, which was incor- 
porated in 1827 at Concord and was the first normal school 
in the United States. Many of these schools have now 
ceased to exist. Among those in successful operation are 
the following : St. Johnsbury Academy, incorporated in 
1824 ; Burr and Burton Seminary, Manchestei-, 1829 ; 
Burlington High School, 1829 ; and, in 1834, Black River 
Academy at Ludlow, and Newbury Seminary at Newbury. 



262 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERxMONTERS 



Newbury Seminary is now located at Montpelier, under 
the name of Montpelier Seminary. 

Founding of Norwich University. — In 1819 Captain 
Alden Partridge, U. 8. A., a former superintendent of West 

Point, founded in 
Norwich, his native 
town, the " Ameri- 
can Literary, Scien- 
tific, and Military 
Academy." This 
academy was incor- 
porated by the act of 
the Legislature as 
Norwich University 
in 1834. Its course 
of study Avas peculiar 
ill one respect — it 
allowed a student to 
omit the ancient lan- 
guages and classics ; 
and no specified time 
was allotted for the 
completion of the 
course. This insti- 
tution is believed to have been the first to confer the now 
common degree of "Bachelor of Science." 

The University remained at Norwich until the building 
known as the ''South Barracks" was burned in 1866, 
when, upon invitation of the citizens of Northfield, who 
subscribed liberally for its benefit and donated ample 
grounds, it was removed to that place. In 1898 the Leg- 
islature changed its name to " Norwich University, the 




Captain Alden Partridge. 



TEANSITIONS 



263 



Military College of the State of Vermont/' in recognition 
of its record in the Civil and Spanish-American wars. 

Colonel Truman B. Ransom. — Truman B. Ransom, born 
in Woodstock, Vt., was for many years closely identified 
with this institution. He was graduated from the Academy 
in 1825. Soon after its incorporation as Norwich University 
he became its vice-president, and in 1844 succeeded Cap- 
tain Partridge as president of the University. 

On the breaking out 
of tlifi Mexican War, he 
resigned his position and 
volunteered for service. 
He was made Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel of the New 
England Eegiment ; and 
under his command en- 
listed many Norwich 
University men. He was 
a brave and gallant 
soldier ; and during the 
storming of Chapul te- 
pee, he fell mortally 
wounded at the head 
of his regiment. 

School Supervision. 
— AVhen Mr. Butler was 
elected Governor of the 
State in 1827, in liis 

speech before the Legislature, he called the attention of 
that body to the need of legislation on the subject of edu- 
cation. In consequence of his suggestion, a plan was 
adopted, providing for the apj^ointment of a committee 




Colonel Truman B. Ransom. 



264 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

anmiall}^ in each town, whose duty it should be to examine 
■and license the teachers — though we are led to believe that 
the examinations of that day were not very rigid in general. 
It also provided for the appointment of five school com- 
missioners to select the text-books to be used in the schools, 
to study the educational needs of the State, and to report 
annually to the Legislature. It was a step in the right 
direction ; but six years later these provisions were repealed, 
and it was some years before there was again any general 




iNurlli l>.ri..tl.i. ^saMteCJiaSi. 

-Norwich University Buildings in 1846. 



supervision. As late as 1842, Zadock Thompson, in that 
year's issue of his Vermont History, deplores the lack of 
efficient supervision. Tiiree years later the Legislature 
again took up the subject of school legislation, and now 
made provision for town, county, and State supervision, 
though the office of county supervisor was soon abolished. 

This had no very marked results ; but in 1856 the first 
great step toward educational advancement was taken, in 
the forming of a State Board of Education with power 
to appoint a secretary, who should devote his whole time to 



TEANSITIONS 265 

educational matters. The appointment of J. S. Adams to 
this office proved a wise one on the part of the hoard. His 
term of service lasted nearly a dozen years, during which 
time the schools throughout the State were much im- 
proved. Indeed, through his efficient service, the whole 
school system received such a tremendous uplift that its 
effects were lasting. 

School Maintenance. — In each of the school districts 
was kept a winter term of tliree or four months, and a 
summer term of six months. The teacher for the winter 
term was usually a man ; for the summer, a woman. 
These schools continued to be maintained, partly by the 
income from the rental of school lands, partly by the taxa- 
tion of the people, and partly by the tuition collected from 
the pupils. In 1837 Congress made provision for deposit- 
ing the surplus I'evenue, which had come principally from 
tiie sale of public lands, and was not needed for the sup- 
2)ort of the Government, with the States. This was to be 
apportioned among the States according to their represen- 
tation in Congress. Vermont's share was something over 
1669,000, and was distributed among the several towns of 
the State according to their population. The towns were 
to loan this money, on sufficient security, and its yearly 
interest was to be used toward the support of their schools. 
This money and also that for the rental of lands was at 
first apportioned to families according to the number of 
children they had of school age. As there was no restric- 
tion with regard to attendance or use of this money for 
school purposes, it did not greatly further the cause of edu- 
cation. To the largest families fell the greatest share of the 
school money ; and it then rested with the parents to send 
their children to school as much or as little as they pleased. 



266 VERMOXT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

Newspapers ; Literature. — Nearly half a linndred 
newspapers came into existence during this period, some 
of which are still issued. Among these was the Vermont 
Patriot, now the Argus and Patriot, of Montpelier, first 
published in 1826 and afterward edited by C. G. Eastman, 
.a poet as well as journalist. 

In the year 1828 a young man by the name of William 
Lloyd Garrison came to Bennington, and there began the 
publication of a paper, which not only advocated the prin- 
ciples of the Whig party, but also temperance, the abolition 
of slavery, and moral reform. The paper was short-lived, 
but its influence was felt for a time. 

The literature of the age is worthy of notice. The 
theological and metaphysical works were numerous ; and 
there were also several school text-books which, no doubt, 
were of more or less use in their day. 

There was also much written on Vermont history. 
The best and most reliable works are : Slade's Vermont 
State Papers, which are invaluable for their documentary 
history ; Zadock Thompson's Natural, Civil, and Statisti- 
cal History of Vermont, a complete history of the State up 
to 1842; and B. 11. Hall's Eastern Vermont, which con- 
tains valuable information concerning the history of the 
locality of which it treats. 

Nathaniel Chipman's work on Principles of Govern- 
ment is valuable for its sound views ; and Daniel Chip- 
man's Essays on Contracts is still admired by such as 
read that class of literature. D. P. Thompson, of Mont- 
pelier, the author of the well-known novels, May Mar- 
tin and the Green Mountain Boys, was practically the 
only successful Vermont writer of fiction of the time. 
Before the end of the period two bards of more than ordi- 



TRANSITIONS 



267 



nary reiJute in their day and of whom Vermont may still 
be justly proud, had added somewhat to the literature of 
the State. 

Poets. — One of these was Charles G. Eastman, of whom 
l)revious mention has been made in connection with the 
Argus and Patriot ; the other, John Godfrey Saxe, was 
a humorous poet of no small fame throughout Europe as 
well as America. Both were educated in Vermont col- 
leges : Eastman, at the University of Vermont ; and Saxe, 
at Middlebury. Their first jjoems 
were published at about the same 
time : Eastman's in 1846 ; and 
Saxe's, in 1849. Eastman died at 
his home in Montpelier in 1860 ; but 
Saxe lived for many years after, and 
continued to contribute, for at least 
twenty years, to the j)oem literature 
of his country, first at Burlington 
and then at Albany, where he died 
in 1887. 

Saxe was an easy, graceful reader 
and a popular lecturer : and his 

poems, sparkling with wit and humor, were refreshing to 
the reader in those days when verses were, as a rule, on 
themes of a serious nature. 

An Artist. — Vermont produced also a famous artist in 
this period in William Morris Hunt, who was born in Brat- 
tleboro in 1824 and spent his early days there at his father's 
home. Going abroad he studied under the famous teacher, 
Couture, in Paris ; he was afterward a follower of Millet, 
who greatly influenced his style of painting. Most of his 
work was done in Boston, where he opened a school on hia 




John G. Saxe. 



aC8 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 
return from Europe in 1855, receiving a large „„„,ber of 
pupils, over whom he exerted a great iniinence and by whom 

he was much admired. 
It was he who introduced 
the Fontainebleau-Bar- 
bizon method of paint- 
ing on this continent, 
that school of painting 
in which details are sup- 
pressed and tlie im- 
pression received bj the 
eye interpreted. The 
allegorical decorations 
in the State Capitol at 
Albany were painted by 
liim. He died in 1879 
and was buried in Brat- 
tleboro, having earned 
for himself an honored 
place among the names 
of great American art- 
ists. 

Sculptors. — Of her 
sculptors, Hiram Pow- 
ers, born at Woodstock 
in 1805, is an especial 
pride to Vermont. While 
still a boy he went to 
Cincinnati, where he be- 
came acquainted with a 




Statue of Ethan Allen at the United 
States Capitol, Washington. 



German sculptor who taught him to model in plaster 
Afterward he went to Italy to study his art, residing in 



TRANSITIONS 



269 



Florence till his death. In 1839 he produced his most fa- 
mous piece in marble, the Greek Slave, which may now be 
seen in the Corcoran Art 
Gallery at Washington. 

Larkin Goldsmith 
Mead, though not born in 
Vermont, moved from 
New Hampshire to Brat- 
tleboro when a small boy. 
There he was educated, 
and there he first gave evi- 
dence of his artistic ge- 
nius by modeling in snow 
the figure of an angel. In 
1857 he executed the colos- 
sal statue representing 
Agriculture, which sur- 
mounts the dome of the 
State House at M o n t - 
pelier ; and a few years 
later, the statue of Ethan 
Allen, which adorns the 
portico of the same build- 
ing. Another statue of 
Ethan Allen, which has 
been placed by the State 
in the Hall of Statuary in 
the Ccipitol at Washing- 
ton, is also the work of his 
hands. 

Horace Wells. — To Horace Wells, a native Vermonter, 
then living in Hartford, Conn., belongs the discovery of 




Statue of Ethan Allen at the 
State House. 



270 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

the use of anesthetics to produce insensibility to pain in 
dentistry. He used successfully nitrous oxide gas on sev- 
eral eases. He communicated his discovery to several per- 
sons, among them Dr. W. T. G. Morton, a former partner 
of his. 

Wells's discovery stimulated Morton to endeavor to find 
a better anesthetic than the gas used by Wells, and trying 
the vapor of sulphuric ether found it to be Just what he 
was seeking. Against the remonstrance of AVells, ^lorton 
obtained a patent for anesthetics. 

The dispute as to his discovery and the frequent experi- 
ments upon himself with chloroform, caused insanity ; and 
Wells Look his own life in the year 18-48. 



CHAPTER XXIX 

POLITICAL 

Distinguished Guests. — In the year 1817 President 
Monroe, in his tour of the States, passed through Vermont. 
He was everywhere received with demonstrations of respect 
and honor. 

On invitation of the Legishitureof tlie State, Lafayette, 
wlio was visiting this country, came to Vermont in 1825, 
entering the State at Windsor, where he was joyfully met 
by the Governor and his staff and a large body of citizens. 
At Windsor, Woodstock, Royalton, Randolph, Montpelier, 
and Burlington he was met by crowds of people, who gave 
him most enthusiastic demonstrations of welcome. At Bur- 
lington he laid the corner-stone of the south building of the 
University of Vermont, which was then being built to re- 
place the old University building, Avliich had been destroyed 
by fire. Here also a reception was given in his honor by 
Governor Van Ness. 

Learning that an old Revolutionary War friend. General 
Barton, had been in prison for debt for thirteen years at 
Danby, Lafayette paid the obligation ; and the general was 
released. Imprisonment for debt was common at this time, 
but was abolished not many years later. 

Changes in Political Parties. — About the year 1825 both 

political parties changed their names. The Republican 

party now called themselves Democrats, and have ever since 

borne that name. Tbe Federalists took the name of W^liigs 

19 271 



273 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

and in 1856 Republicans, a name which the part}' still holds. 
Other parties in the meantime came into existence, all of 
wliieh had their representatives in Vermont, but these were 
short-lived. 

Lamoille County Formed; the Senate Established. — 
The fourteenth and last of all the counties to be formed was 




l.niversity ot Vermont, Burlington. 
Building of which Lafayette laid the corner-stone. 



Lamoille County. This was formed in 1836 from parts of 
the adjoining counties. 

In 1836 the executive Council was abolished and a Senate 
established, consisting of thirty Senators. These were ap- 
portioned to the counties according to their population. 
Up to this time the legislative power had been vested wholly 
in the House of Representatives. Ever since Vermont has 
had two law-making bodies, the Senate and House of Rep- 
resentatives. 



TRANSITIONS 



273 



Number of Representatives in Congress; Improved 

Laws. — After the census of 1850, Vermont's number of 
representatives in Congress was reduced to three, a greater 
number than 30,000 now being required to entitle a State 
to a representative. 

In 1826 an act was passed by the State Legislature pro- 
hibiting the sale of lottery tickets. In 1838 imprisonment 
for debt was also abolished. 




Grassmount. 

Formerly the home of Governor Van Ness, now the ladies' dormitory of the 
University of Vermont. 



Vermont Flag ; Coat of Arms. — There is no record that 
Vermont had any State flag previous to the year 1837, other 
than the United States flag with the word " Vermont " 
above the stars and stripes. In 1837 an act was passed by 
the Legislature of Vermont making the flag of the State 
consist of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, the Union 
being a field of blue, in the center of which appeared a large 
star of white with the pine-tree landscape within. 

Usage had at this time established the State seal de- 



274 VEEMOXT FOR YOUXG VERMOXTERS 




signed by Ira Allen and a State coat of arms. The latter 
consisted of a shield bearing the same landscape as the seal, 

with a stag's head foi- a 
crest and the Vermontei's 
badge of two pine branch- 
es and the State motto at 
the base. In 1862 both the 
State seal and the State 
coat of arms were estab- 
lished by law in the Gen- 
eral Assembly. 

A Mass-Meeting on 
Stratton Mountain. — 
There wi\s great excite- 
ment over the presidential 
election of 1840. Never since the organization of the Gov- 
ernment had the country witnessed such tremendous efforts 
to change the adminis- 
tration. For several 
years banks had been 
failing, money was 
scarce, business depress- 
ing, and there was a 
general state of hard 
times all over the coun- 
try. Martin Van Buren, 
a Democrat, was then 
President of the United 
States, and he had been 
renominated by this 
party. William Henry Harrison was the choice of the Whig 
party. Great excitement prevailed throughout the country 




State coat of arms. 



TEANSITIOXS 275 

and each party was doing its utmost to effect the election of 
its respective candidate, by holding mass-meetings in vari- 
ous places, which were attended by thousands and tens of 
thousands. Inflammatory speeches, political songs, flags, 
torches, and war-cries were everywhere in evidence to 
arouse the indifferent, convince the wavering and marshal 
the forces for the coming conflict. 

The Democrats ridiculed Harrison because they said 
he lived in a log cabin and drank nothing but hard cider. 
The Whigs took it up, and their cry of " Log Cabins and 
Hard Cider ! " was both frequent and hearty. 

One of these meetings was of great interest to Ver- 
monters. It was held on Stratton Mountain on the line 
between Windham and Bennington counties. This was to 
give the people on both sides of the mountain an equal 
chance to attend. For fifty miles around, the towns built 
their log cabins, hitched to them oxen or horses, and 
dragged them up the steep mountain-sides to the place of 
meeting, while nearly all of the men and boys of the re- 
spective towns followed, making the old mountain-sides 
resound with their war-cries of "Log Cabins and Hard 
Cider!" "Van, Van, is a used-up Man!" and "Tippe- 
canoe and Tyler too ! " Some of the companies had to camp 
out over night ; but that only added zest to the occasion. 

There were thousands in attendance ; and when all was 
ready that great orator, Daniel Webster, mounted a stump 
and delivered a stirring speech beginning with " Fellow 
Citizens, I have come to meet you among the clouds." 
This was a day long to be remembered by those in attend- 
ance. The result of this great jDolitical conflict was the 
election of Harrison to the presidency by an overwhelming 
majority. 



276 VEEMOls'T FOR YOUNG VERMOXTERS 

The Second and Third State Houses. — In the year 1833 
the Legislature made provision for erecting a new State 
House at Montpelier on condition that the inhabitants of 
Montpelier should contribute $15,000 toward its erection. 
To this they agreed, and not only gave that but also land 
for the purpose at an expense of 13,000. The committee 
appointed to decide upon a site for the new building, and 
to prepare ^^lans for the same, appointed the Hon. Leb- 
beus Egerton to superintend the building. In preparation 
for the work imposed upon them, the committee, super- 




" |ii|llililipilllll|lillJil|||l«llll|!li™^^ 



Second State House. Erected in 1838. 



intendent, and Ammi B. Young, the architect, visited the 
State houses at Concord, N. H. ; Boston, Mass. ; and Hart- 
ford, Conn. 

After carefully examining these buildings, they adopted 
a plan drawn up by their architect, decided to locate the 
building 250 feet northwest of the first building, so as to 
allow spacious grounds in front, and also decided that the 
outside of the building should be of granite and that the 
roof and dome should be covered with copper. This build- 
ing was completed in the autumn of 1838, at a cost of 



TKANSITIONS 



277 



over $152,000, and was a most imposing structure. The 
granite for the exterior walls was hauled by teams nine 
miles over rough and hilly roads from the quarries of 
Barre. 

In 1857 this building was partially destroyed by fire ; 
and a third house was built on the same site, which was of 
much the same style and of the same material, but some- 




Present State House. 



what enlarged. This is the present structure, though addi- 
tions and improvements have been made from time to 
time. 

The beautiful portico at the front entrance is of Doric 
style. In this portico, on the right, is a fine statue of 
Ethan Allen by Larkin G. Mead of Brattleboro. The cen- 
tral portion of the building is surmounted by a dome, upon 



3;8 VERMO^^T FOE YOUNG VERMONTERS 

the top of wliicli is a statue of Agriculture by the same 
sculj)tor. 

Representative Hall and a fine cabinet of specimens of 
metals, minerals, etc., are on the first floor; the Senate on 
the second. In the first story of the Library annex is the 
Supreme Court room ; and the second is occupied by the 
State Library and the room of the Vermont Historical 
Societ}^, which contains a magnificent fireplace of Vermont 
marble, the gift of Senator Proctor. Space will not permit 
further description of tlie building, but surely it is a struc- 
ture of which Vermonters may justly feel proud. 



CHAPTER XXX 

TWO KINDS OF RAILROADS 

Railroads. — After the completion of the Erie Canal, the 
subject of canals was much talked of in Vermont ; and 
some surveys were made to ascertain the practicability of 
connecting Lake Champlain and the Connecticut Eiver by 
that means. But when in 1830 railroads were introduced 
into the United States, the topic of conversation was 
changed to the subject of railroads, and other surveys were 
made for a different purpose and companies formed for 
carrying the project into effect. 

By 1887 a charter had been granted by the Legislature 
to run a railroad line from Lake Champlain to the Con- 
necticut River ; but nothing was accomplished till 1845, 
when ground was first broken for a railroad at Windsor. 
Two years later the first rail was laid at White River 
Junction ; and in June, 1848, the first passenger train to 
pass over this road went from White River Junction to 
Bethel. The next year this road was opened to Burlington. 
Soon afterward railroads were opened from Essex Junction 
to Rouses Point ; from Rutland to Bennington, Troy, and 
Whitehall ; and from White River Junction to St. Johns- 
bury. It is interesting to note that the main railroad 
lines of the State followed very nearly the old Indian 
trails. 

During the building of these railroads, two of the most 
279 



280 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

interesting fossils ever found in New England were brought 
to light. They were the remains of an ele])hant, found in 
Mt. Holly in 1848, and those of a whale found in Charlotte 
in 1849. 

About the time that the first railroad train was seen in 
Vermont, a telegraph line was run from Troy to Burling- 
ton, entering the State at Bennington. Before long this 
line had been extended through to Highgate. 

Influence of the Railroad. — The opening of the lines of 
railroad in Vermont was far-reaching in its influence. It 
was the making of large villages in localities which had 
been hitherto merely open meadows or patches of forests. 
This was especially the case with our railroad centers. 
Where the flourishing village of White River Junction now 
stands, the houses were few and far apart on the coming of 
the railroad. Rutland grew apace, and soon became the 
center of trade for that section of the State. The marble 
industry of that village then received its first great impetus, 
and has continued to grow steadily ever since. Some of 
the smaller villages soon dropped out of existence ; many 
farms which had once been cultivated were ere many years 
again overgrown with forests. 

Trade sought new channels. Burlington resumed its 
lumber trade with Canada only in reverse order ; for Canada 
now sent to Burlington her spruce and pine lumber, from 
which port it Avas distributed by rail to all parts of the 
eastern States. 

Both the imports and exports were greatly increased. 
There was now a demand for many products which here- 
tofore had had only a home market, such as eggs, poultry, 
fruit, potatoes, hay, etc. Middlemen arose who scoured 
the country, collecting such products from the farmers. 




TEANSITIONS 281 

and then transporting them to the cities, where they dis- 
posed of them at a profit. 

The railroads did away with some industries, and were 
the making of others. Many things, such as bolts, nails, 
furniture, carriages, shoes, men^s and boys' clothing could 
now be obtained from the city with much less expense than 
they could be made at home; and as a consequence the 
number of tailors, cabinet-makers, carriage manufacturers, 
and shoemakers was much reduced. Machines to be used 
on the farm, such as the threshing-machine and horse-rake, 
were now brought into the State in great 
numbers, which enabled the farmers to 
raise and gather much larger crops with 
a greatly reduced number of workmen. 

Stage-coaches became rarer, as mails 

and passengers could be carried more One of the Brat- 

swiftly and delivered more frequently by ^^^''°'° stamps. 
. (There are ten 

the railroad. It is interesting to note varieties ) 

that the first postage-stamps made in 

the United States were printed in Brattleboro in 1845. 

A great army of Irish people entered the State as 
laborers on the railroads. They were a thrifty people, and 
many of them remained and later took farms ; and to-day 
there is a large representation of their descendants through- 
out our farming community. By their coming the strength 
of the Catholic Church was greatly increased in Vermont. 

Anti-Slavery Sentiment. — During the latter part of this 
period a strong anti-slavery sentiment was growing among 
the northern States. Although a majority of the Vermont 
people were opposed to slavery, there were those who be- 
lieved it right to keep slaves ; and there was much bitter 
feeling between the two parties. 



282 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

As early tis 1835 an auti-slavery meeting was held in 
Montpelier ; and there was, it is to be regretted, such oppo- 
sition to the Aboli tionists, as they were called, that a ruffianly 
rabble pelted the speaker with rotten eggs. Such was the 
excitement that it was unsafe for him to leave the building 
until a gentle old Quaker lady stepped up and took his arm 
and walked out with him. They could do no violence to 
her escort and he went away unmolested. 

In 1850 Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Law, which 
could compel the returning of slaves to their owners. 
But such was the attitude taken by Vermonters that slave- 
hunters made no attempt to seize their prey in Vermont, 
though there were fugitive slaves living much of the time 
in the Green Mountain State. 

A New Line of Railroad. — Before the end of this period 
a new line of railroad had been run through the State, 
differing much in its construction and purpose from those 
previously mentioned. Like the horseless carriage and the 
wireless telegraphy, its purpose was conveyance and in some 
respects it reminds one of both. Reference is made to the 
railless railroad, or underground railroad, as it was popu- 
larly called, a secret system by means of which anti-slavery 
advocates were in the habit of aiding runaway slaves to 
escape to Canada. Over the line of this railroad that ran 
through Vermont many a dark-skinned fugitive was con- 
cealed by day and conducted on by night till he liad crossed 
the line into Canada. 

An Underground Railroad Station. — The father of the 
late Rowland E. Robinson was a prominent abolitionist 
and a warm friend of William Lloyd Garrison's. His home 
in Ferrisburg was a convenient way-station for the under- 
ground railroad, and here the poor bondsman always found 



TRANSITIONS 



283 



a welcome and was sheltered, fed, encouraged, and aided 
on his way from bondage to freedom. 

This old house, where the Robinson family yet live, 
still has the secret staircase, narrow and dark, up which 
many a fugitive slave noiselessly glided to the chamber 




A convenient way-station for the underground railroad 



above, which was partitioned ofE from the rest of the house 
and was to the children of the family an unexplored 
mystery. At times the children kneM' that plates of food 
were being carried to the chamber above, but they well un- 
derstood that they were to ask no questions and never to 
speak of their mysterious guest. 



284 VEEMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMOXTEES 



TEST. 

1. What were two of the most prominent changes brought about by 

the War of 1812? 

2. Describe the commerce of the period on Lake Champlain. 

3. Describe the commerce on the Connecticut. 

4. Describe the overland commerce. 

5. What were the modes of travel up to the coming of the railroad ? 
G. What changes came about in the home life during this period ? 

7. Give an account of the cliange in industries. 

8. AVhen and where was the first Catholic clmrch built in tlie State ? 

9. What steps were taken toward temperance reform in this period ? 

10. What advances were made in school matters ? 

11. Name some of the permanent higli grade schools. 

12. What university was incorporated and wlien ? 

13. When was the State Senate established, and what were its duties ? 

14. What was the last county to be formed ? 

15. Describe the Vermont flag ; the Vermont coat of arms. 

16. Give an account of the mass-meeting on Stratton Mountain. 

17. Give sometliing of a description of the second and tliird State 

Houses. 

18. What are the three most prominent mineral industries of the 

State ? 

19. About what part of the nineteenth century marks quarrying as a 

promipent industry of the State ? 

20. What quarries were opened at this time ? 

21. What historical works produced by Vermonters during this period 

are worthy of mention ? 

22. Who was the only successful writer of fiction in Vermont during 

the period ? 

23. Who were Vermont's most famous poets ? 

24. What prominent artists did Vermont produce during this period ? 

25. What sculptors did she produce ? 

26. Wlien were railroads and the telegraph introduced into the State ? 

27. What interesting fossils were unearthed during the building of the 

railroads ? 



TRANSITIONS 285 

28. What were some of tl>e changes wrought by the coming of the 

railroad ? 

29. What political subject was foremost in the public mind, the last 

part of this period ? 

30. On which side of the question were a large majority of the \er- 

monters ? 

31. By what acts did they show their principles ? 



EIGHTH PERIOD 



THE CIVIL WAR 

(1861-18G5) 



CHAPTER XXXI 

THE WAK OF THE EEBELLION" 

Cause of the Civil War ; its Opening. — The most 
prominent question . before the public mind had now for 
some time been that in regard to slavery. Slavery had 
become very profitable in the South, and for tliat reason 
was gaining in strength in that section. Many people in 
the country believed it an evil, and feared it might in time 
become a national institution, if something were not done 
to check its spread. The slave-owners in the South, more- 
over, claimed that as slaves were property they could be 
carried into any State, whether it were a slave State or 
otherwise, and there be protected the same as any other 
property. The anti-slavery advocates denied this right, 
believing that, if this were allowed, any State might 
become a slave State. 

The Republicans, as a party, were much opposed to the 
carrying of slavery beyond the States in which it already 
existed ; and when, in 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected 
President by that party, the South feared that the institu- 
tion of slavery was endangered. Believing that the elec- 

286 



THE CIVIL WAE 287 

tion of Lincoln and its attendant anti-slavery sentiment 
would weaken the slave-owners' influence and perhaps 
finally exterminate slavery altogether, they decided to 
withdraw from the Union and form a confederation of 
their own, where the right of holding slaves would not be 
questioned. South Carolina led off and soon after the 
solid South followed, declaring themselves a new and dis- 
tinct nation by the name of the Confedei-ate States of 
America. This was contrary to the Constitution, and war 
now became necessary for the jn-eservation of the Union. 
The war opened Avitli the firing of the Secessionists upon 
Fort Sumter, South Carolina, in April, 1861. 

The President's Call ; the Response. — On the day of the 
surrender of Fort Sumter, Pi'esident Lincoln issued a call 
for 75,000 soldiers to defend the Union, and asked Ver- 
mont to furnish 780 of these. 

There were a few companies of militia in Vermont at 
that time, but all told they did not equal the number of 
men required. Governor Faii'banks at once issued a proc- 
lamation announcing the breaking out of the war and the 
President's call for volunteers, and summoned an extra 
session of the Legislature to make provision therefor. 

At once, men from all parts of the State volunteered ; 
banks and individuals tendered the nse of their money ; 
railroads and steamboats offered free transportation for 
troops and military stores ; and loyal women from all over 
the State were busy with thread and needle, preparing 
underwear and other comforts for the soldiers. Two hun- 
dred Burlington ladies resolved to give their entire time, 
if needed, to the cause. 

The train which, on April 23, brought the legislators 

to Montpelier was saluted by two cannon captured at 
20 



288 VERMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMONTERS 

Bennington. In forty-two hours from the time the 
Legislature met its work was done. It had appropriated 
$1,000,000 for war expenses, made provision for raising 
six more regiments than had been called for, and had 
voted to pay each private $7 a month in addition to the 
113 offered by the United States, and had voted to make 
the soldiers' families the wards of the commonwealth. 




Norwich University buildings in 1904. 



should they come to want in the absence of their sup- 
porters. 

The splendid service of Norwich University at this 
crucial period, as well as that of General Alonzo Jack- 
man (one of the first graduates of the school and at this 
time occupying the chair of military science, mathematics, 
and civil engineering in tiiat institution), deserves com- 
mendation. 

At the breaking out of the Civil War, GeneralJack- 



THE CIVIL WAR 



289 



man was brigadier-general of the State militia ; and he 
was now offered the command of the first regiment of 
volunteers ; but Governor Fairbanks in a letter to him 
said : ^ 

" There is a duty, a very patriotic duty for you to per- 
form ; that is, to remain at the Military College and 
qualify young men 
for duty as officers ; 
and thus will you do 
your State the best 
service." 

True to his sol- 
dierly instincts the 
general set aside per- 
sonal ambition and 
remained at his post. 
During the entire 
struggle he was active 
in instructing offi- 
cers, and, with the 
help of an efficient 
body of cadets, iu or- 
ganizing and drilling 
volu nteers through- 
out the State for the 
commendable service 
which they afterward rendered the Union cause. 

About five hundred Norwich Uuiversity men were 
commissioned officers in the army and navy, a larger 
number than was furnished by any college or institu- 
tion in the United States, with the exception of Crown 
Point. 




General Alonzo Jackman. 



290 VEEMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMOKTEES 

Military Divisions and their Commanders. — To avoid 
any confusiou which may arise in regard to the names of 
commands, let us consider for a moment those to be used 
in the following topics. 

A company is commanded by a captain, and usually 
consists of about one hundred men. Two or more com- 
panies form a battalion. A regiment is made up of battal- 
ions and commanded by a colonel, and usually consists of 
about a thousand men. A brigade consists of two or more 
regiments and is commanded by a brigadier-general. Two 
or more brigades form a division ; and two or more divi- 
sions, a corps, both of which are commanded by generals. 




Artillery drill at Norwich University. 

Two or more corps form an army, commanded by a general 
or major-general. An adjutant-general assists the com- 
mandant of a regiment. Infantry are foot soldiers ; cavalry 
mounted soldiers. By a battery, we mean a company of 
artillery with their ordnance. Sharpshooters are, to be 
exact, skilled riflemen, and in a battle are usually placed in 
some important position. 

The First Vermont Regiment. — The first Vermont Eegi- 
ment was so rapidly formed that on May 2, or in less than 
a week from the close of the Legislature, they had assem- 
bled at Eutland with John W. Phelps, " old Ethan Allen 



THE CIVIL WAE 291 

resurrected," a native Vermonter, as their colonel. The 
regiment was mustered into the United States service on 
May 8, for three months' service. 

The Adjutant-General, thinking that a sufficient num- 
ber of troops was already at the front for present need, 
thought it would be well to hold the Vermont regiment in 
its own State for a while ; but when General Scott learned 
that a regiment of Green Mountain Boys under Phelps was 
awaiting marching orders, he wished them sent at once, 
declaring that Colonel Phelps was the man and his regi- 
ment the troops that he wanted for responsible duty. A 
force of Green Mountain Boys had been with him at Ni- 
agara during the War of 1812, and he remembered its 
efficient service ; he had also known Phelps of old in his 
services in the Mexican War, On the 9th of May, the regi- 
ment set out for Fortress Monroe, bearing an ensign of 
white upon wiiich was the State coat of arms. In the gray 
cap of each soldier was the customary evergreen badge of 
his State. The First Vermont Eegiment remained at For- 
tress Monroe during the term of its enlistment, taking part 
in the ill-fated engagement at Big Bethel. 

Such goods as are used for the carrying on of war, if 
taken by the enemy, may by law be retained by them and 
are called " contraband of war," At the beginning of the 
Kebellion it was expected that, whenever shives ran away 
from their homes to the Union armies, they would be re- 
turned to their masters. But General Butler, the shrewd 
officer, who was in command at Fortress Monroe, assumed 
that the runaways were contraband of war, being, as their 
own masters conceded, like any other property, and there- 
fore it was not to be expected that he would give them up. 
This their masters could not well gainsay ; for it was well 



292 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

known that at that time great numbers of the slaves were 
laboring upon the fortifications around Richmond and else- 
where, thus directly aiding in the prosecution of hostilities. 
From the first it was generally understood that slaves 
who found their way into the camp of the Vermonters were 
safe ; and throngs of fugitive slaves, who sought refuge 
Avith Phelps, were not returned to their masters. The First 
Vermont Regiment returned to Vermont in August and 




iJ i mi El U 



Vermont Soldiers' Home, Bennington. 



the soldiers were mustered out ; but five out of every six 
reeiilisted. 

The First Vermont Brigade. — Before the return of the 
First Vermont Regiment, the Second had gone to the front 
and taken part in the severe battle of Bull Run. By Octo- 
ber the Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth had also arrived 
at Washington and were ready for service. The five regi- 
ments constituted the First Brigade of the Sixth Corps, 
which was a part of the famous Army of the Potomac of 



THE CIVIL WAR 293 

which it is said that *' for four long years it stood as a great 
wall between Washington and Richmond, or kept passing 
like a weaver's shuttle between the two capitals." The 
history of the First Vermont Brigade is identified with that 
of this army; the Second Vermont Regiment, being tiie 
first of these at the front, took part in almost every battle 
of the Army of the Potomac. This brigade served till the 
close of the war, its military operations being mostly in 
the vicinity of Richmond and Washington. 

As a brigade it took no active part the first year of the 
war ; but in the second (18G2) was with McClellan in the 
Peninsular campaign and later followed that general into 
Maryland, where he went for the purpose of cutting off the 
Confederate General Lee's attempts to invade the North. 

In 1863 the soldiers of the First Vermont Brigade 
fought in the battle of Fredericksburg under General 
Hooker ; and when, at this juncture, it was learned that 
Lee was making a second invasion northward, they were 
immediately ordered to march with the Sixth Corps in that 
direction to intercept his movements. The Union army 
met the enemy at Gettysburg ; and a bloody battle of three 
days' duration followed, which decided once for all that the 
Confederate army was not to invade northern territory. 
The First Vermont Brigade took no active part in this bat- 
tle, and suffered no loss, but was present on the third day 
of the battle and stationed on the left of Round Top. The 
honors of that occasion fell upon their brethren of the 
Second Vermont Brigade. 

In the year 1864 the First Vermont Brigade was with 
Grant in his famous march to Richmond, beginning with 
the battle of the Wilderness, a terrible battle lasting two 
days, in which, in a single afternoon, 1,000 of the Vermont 



294 VEEMOXT FOE YOUNG VERMONTERS 

soldiers lost their lives. For five months they were with 
Sheridan in his famous raid through the Shenandoah 
Valley, during which time he entirely destroyed the army 
of the Confederate general. Early. 

To this famous brigade, now under General L. A. 
Grant, a Vermonter, was given the honor of leading the 
column in the final assault on Petersburg, April 3, 1865, 
just before entering Richmond, the Confederate capital. 
That night Lee evacuated Richmond, and a week later was 
captured while trying to escape and join the Confederate 
general, Johnson. The Vermont Brigade had at this time 
been sent to guard the supply train, and so was not present 
at the actual surrender. 

The Estimation in which this Brigade was held. — The 
estimate put upon this brigade is shown from the follow- 
ing : When the Sixth Corps was about to be hurried to the 
field of Gettysburg, the command was given, " Put the 
Vermonters in front, and keep the column well closed up." 
What manner of men the Vermont soldiers were, Sheridan 
also testified to, w^lien, two years after the close of the war, 
at Representative Hall at Montpelier, he said : " I have 
never commanded troops in whom I had more confidence 
than I had in the Vermont troops, and I do not know but 
I can say that I never commanded troops in whom I had 
as much confidence as in those of this gallant State." 
General Sedgwick, through his chief-of-staff, said of this 
brigade: ''No body of troops in or out of the old Sixth 
Corps had a better record. No body of troops in or out of 
the Array of the Potomac made their record more gallantly, 
sustained it more heroically, or wore their honors more 
modestly. The Vermont Brigade was the model and type 
of the volunteer soldier." 



THE CIVIL WAR 395 

Of the eight famous brigades that served during the 
Rebellion, which were made preeminent by their fighting 
qualities, Colonel William F. Fox places the First Ver- 
mont Brigade at the head of the list. " The greatest loss 
of WIq," he says, "in any one brigade during the war, 
occurred in the Vermont Brigade of the Second Division 
of the Sixth Corps." From over 2,000 regiments in the 
Union service he selects 300 as fighting regiments (those 
that sustained a loss of from 134 to 234), and nine of these 
are Vermont regiments. 

First Vermont Cavalry ; Light Battery ; Sharpshooters. 
— The First Vermont Cavalry was mustered into service in 
November, 1861, and reached Washington in December. 
A good share of this regiment served throughout the war 
and took part in over seventy engagements. In captures 
of guns, battle-flags, and prisoners, the First Vermont 
Cavalry was second to none. 

Before the end of this year Vermont had raised for 
service three com^janies of sharpshooters and a light bat- 
tery. 

The Seventh and Eighth Regiments ; the Second Bat- 
tery. — Early in the year 1863 the Seventh and Eighth 
Regiments were mustered into service, as was also a second 
battery. These two regiments and the two batteries formed 
were assigned service in the extreme South, the Seventh 
to serve with the command of Butler. Although these 
regiments had not so many battles standing to their credit 
as had some of the earlier regiments, it is doubtful if any 
suffered greater hardships and privations than these; and 
the death-rate from all causes was enormous. The Seventh, 
a force of 943 strong at the time of enlistment, lost by 
death 406 of that number. 



396 VERMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMONTERS 



The Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Regiments. — No 

sooner was the campaign of 1862 fairly nnder way than 
serious disasters to the Union cause made it necessary to 
call for still more men ; and in May Governor Holbrook 
received a message from the War Department asking for 
another Vermont regiment. In July the Ninth Eegiment 
was mustered into service; and it at once set out for the field 

of action, under the com- 
mand of Colonel George 
J. Stannard. Before the 
Ninth was mustered into 
service, a message came 
from the Secretary of 
War asking for further 
aid ; and, in September 
following, tlie Tenth and 
Eleventh were mustered 
into service. 

The Ninth suffered in 
tlie humiliation of Har- 
per's Ferry and then 
passed several months 
under parole at Chicago, 
when it was exchanged 
and took its place with the Army of the Potomac. A por- 
tion of this regiment was the first to carry the national flag 
into Eichmond, the rebel capital, after Lee evacuated. The 
Tenth and the Eleventh were at once used to replete the 
thinned ranks of the First Vermont Brigade in the Army 
of the Potomac. 

The Second Vermont Brigade. — Before the end of 
October (1863), the Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, 




General George J. Stannard. 



THE CIVIL WAR 297 

Fifteenth, and Sixteenth regiments had been formed for 
nine months' service, and consolidated into a brigade. 
This brigade took no part in any set battle during this 
year, but was assigned to various guard and picket duties 
and held in reserve for any emergency. In April, •1863, 
General George J. Stannard was given the command, and 
under him the soldiers of this brigade attained their greatest 
glory on the bloody battle-field of Gettysburg. On the 
final day of this great battle they did their first and last 
fighting. But the charge of the Second Vermont Brigade 
was a memorable charge — a charge that, by forcing Pick- 
ett back, turned the tide of battle in favor of the Union 
arms. 

Further Service.— During the year 1863 no Vermont 
forces were raised ; but early in 1864 a Third Vermont 
Battery was mustered in, as was also the Seventeenth Ver- 
mont Regiment. The Seventeenth was not long in action, 
but no Vermont regiment performed more gallant service 
during the period of its service than this. It was at once 
plunged into that great slaughter of the Wilderness and 
continued to follow Grant in his campaign against the 
rebel capital till the final overthrow of the Confederate 
cause. 

The St. Albans Raid.— In the year 1863 the Con- 
federate States of America sent officers into Canada for 
the purpose of organizing parties from the large number 
of Confederate soldiers Avho had fled to Canada for safety, 
to make raids on the northern frontier. Among the lead- 
ing men engaged in the carrying out of this plan was 
Colonel Bennet H. Young, a prominent Kentucky lawyer, 
who led the St. Albans raid, so called. 

On October 10, 1864, strangers began to arrive in St. 



298 VERMOJ^T FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

Albans ; and by the lOtli there were between thirty and 
forty of them, guests at the different hotels. As they were 
clad in citizens' clothes and were quiet and orderly in be- 
havior, they occasioned no suspicion. About three o'clock 
on the afternoon of October 19, at a given signal, the 
marauders took armed possession of the business part of 
the village, at the same time making raids ujion the three 
banks and comj)elling the cashiers to give up the funds of 
the banks. 

Taking horses from the stables and from the street, 
they rode out of town, carrying with them over $200,000. 
Shots were exchanged between the raiders and fitizens, and 
several persons were wounded, and one was killed. They 
were pursued into Canada by mounted horsemen, citizens 
of the tosvn, under Captain Conger, a veteran of the First 
Vermont Cavalry, who had recently returned from the 
South. They succeeded in capturing fourteen of the 
raiders on Canadian soil, but were obliged to give them 
up to the authorities of that dominion. 

To guard against further invasion, companies of cavalry 
were raised in the northern part of the State, which con- 
stituted the First Regiment of Frontier Cavalry; and a 
company of infantry was also raised to be used as home 
guards. 

Vermont's Eecord; her Ensign. — The record made by 
Vermont in the War of the Rebellion forms one of the most 
brilliant of the many grand chapters of her history. The 
patriotism and bravery of her soldiery won the admiration 
of the whole country, and deservedly so. Of Vermont's 
able-bodied men, every other one shouldered his musket 
and went forth to serve his country. Vermont furnished 
during the war over thirty-five thousand men, according to 



THE CIVIL WAR 299 

the report of the War Department, though the number- 
credited by the State was over a thousand less in number. 
She also expended of her treasure nearly $10,000,000 in 
in defense of the Union, more than half of which was ex- 
pended by the towns without any expectation of being re- 
imbursed. Seventy-one Norwich University men from Ver- 
mont served in the various organizations as officers, and in 
addition nearly one hundred served as State drill officers. 
Vermont's total loss in killed was 5,237 men, or about one 
in seven of those in service — a record which Pennsylvania's 
record alone exceeded. 

The ensign carried by all regiments except the First 
consisted of a blue silk flag upon which was the State coat 
of arms. 

TEST. 

1. What was the cause of the Civil War? 

2. State the number of troops of tlie President's call and Vermont's 

quota. 

3. In what way did Vermont respond? 

4 Give the prominent divisions of an army witii their commanding 

officers. 

5. What was the service of tlie First Vermont Regiment? 

0. What regiments constituted tlie First Vermont Brigade? 

7. What was its record? 

8. Give the record of the First Vermont Cavalry. 

9. Of the Seventh and Eighth regiments. 

10. Of the Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventii regiments. 

11. What regiments constituted the Second Vermont Brigade? 
12 What was the record of the Second Vermont Brigade? 

13. Give a record of the Seventeenth Vermont Regiment. 

14. Give an account of the St. Albans raid. 

15. What precautions were taken to prevent further incursions of this 

kind? 

16. About how many men did Vermont furnish during the war? 



300 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

17. How much money did slie furnish? 

18. What was lier death record? 

19. The record of what State alone exceeded this? 

20. What ensign was carried l)y the First Vermont Regiment? By all 

others ? 



NINTH PERIOD 



VERMONT SINCE THE CIVIL WAR 

(18G5-1904) 



CHAPTER XXXH 

THE FENIAN RAID — EDUCATIONAL 

The Fenian Raid. — On the first day of June, 18G6, there 
suddenly appeared in the village of St. Albans a body of 
about three hundred strangers. They had come by rail from 
the South ; and trains coming later brought others, until, all 
told, the force numbered probably 1,200 men. They were 
in general poorly clad and not prepossessing in appearance, 
and did not patronize the hotels as did the raiders of two 
years previous to this time, but purchased supjilies at the 
village markets. 

Naturally their strange arrival created some alarm at 
first; but, as they offered no injury either to persons 
or property, all fear of them was soon dispelled. They 
camped that night on the green, or found shelter in 
neighboring barns, and the next morning marched away to 
the north, without form or order. The night of June 6th 
they camped in Franklin ; and, as it was a stormy night, 
they sought every available shelter, much to the dis- 
quietude of the people of that town. The next morning 

301 



302 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

tliey advanced into Canada, and about seventy rods across 
the line established their headquarters. 

This formidable force proved to be a portion of the 
army of Ireland, which was invading Canada for the pur- 
pose of overthrowing there the British rule, thus to avenge 
the wrongs which the Irish people claimed they had re- 
ceived from the Enoljsh Government. 




Johnson Normal School. 



The only aggressive measure taken by the raiders was 
to plunder one village, when, from some cause, they be- 
came discouraged and decided to abandon further invasion. 
Then commenced the return march ; and just as the force 
was entering St. Albans, it was met by General Meade, the 
hero of Gettysburg, who had come with United States 
troops to prevent riot and enforce the neutrality laws. 
Through General Meade the invaders were furnished trans- 



VEEMONT SINCE THE CIVIL WAR 303 

portation to their homes, and quiet again reigned in St. 
Albans. 

The Normal Schools. — The good work along educational 
lines, which commenced in 185G under the State board of 
education, continued to grow, Tbe Rutland County 
Grammar School (founded in 1?87), the Orange County 
Grammar School (180G), and Johnson Academy (1828) were 
established State normals by act of the Legislature of 1866. 
This move was made partly through the influence of J. S. 
Adams, of whom previous mention has been made in con- 
nection with Vermont schools, and partly through that of 
Governor Paul Dillingham, who, realizing the need of skilled 
teaching, forcibly urged legislation upon that important 
subject, in his message before the General Assembly of 1866. 
These three schools are located at Castleton, Randolph, and 
Johnson, respectively. Their chief duty is the training of 
teachers in the best methods of instruction. 

Johnson Academy was, for a long time, recognized as 
one of the foremost academies of the State ; and, among her 
pupils who have attained eminence, we find the names of 
Hon. H. H. Powers, Judge Thompson, and Admiral Dewey. 
During the principalship of Major Pangborn, one of her 
most celebrated teachers, the school at one time registered 
over three hundred pupils in one year. As an academy it 
had a normal department to prepare teachers for the public 
schools, the teachers' class meeting at five o'clock in the 
morning. 

By vote of the Legislature of 1896 these schools were 
made wholly State institutions, the State assuming their 
entire support and control. Previous to this time it had 
been only partial. This has proved a wise move on the part 
of the Legislature. 
21 



304 VEEMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

Model schools, as tlie training schools are called, have 
been established in connection with tliese normal scliools, 
where pupil teachers have the opportunity to gain practise 
in the actual work of the schoolroom under the direction 
of tlie model teachers. These are, in reality, town schools 
placed under the control of the State normal school board 
and supported by the towns as previously, with additional 
aid from the State to secure greater efficiency. They have 
already proved of great practical value. 




L'uBliuLuii ADniial Srliuui. 

The proper work of the normal school has, in the past, 
been seriously handicapped by the lack of sufficient prepar- 
ation on the part of the pupils before entering these schools ; 
and the schools have been obliged to spend too much time 
and energy upon the teaching of the subject-matter, time 
which should have been devoted to the teaching of tlie best 



VERMONT SINCE THE CIVIL WAR 305 

methods of instruction. To obviate this difficulty, a pre- 
paratory class has been formed to prepare inefficient pupils 
for the regular course. 

These schools are practically free schools, as pupils who 
reside in the State and who declare their intention to teach 
in the public schools of the State the two years following 
graduation, are entitled to free tuition. 

State Industrial School In the year 1865 the Ver- 
mont Reform School was established at Waterbury. About 
ten years later its buildings were burned ; and the school 
was then removed to Vergennes, and is now known 
as the Vermont Industrial School. Both boys and 
girls are now admitted ; and the purpose of the school 
is to shield the youth from bad practises and at the 
same time to educate and to prepare them for some use- 
ful trade. 

School Legislation. — Vermont school legislation in the 
last half century has been progressive. In 1874 a State 
superintendent of education succeeded the State board of 
education. In 1880 laws were passed giving women, with 
a required amount of property, power to vote in town meet- 
ing for school officers, and also making them eligible to 
such school offices as town superintendent of schools and 
school directors. This same year a law providing for a sys- 
tem of county supervision was passed. This was repealed 
at the next session, and tlie town superintendent was re- 
stored. 

In accordance with a law passed by the General Assem- 
bly of 1892, the town system of schools was instituted in 
place of the district system. By its provision a board of 
directors is chosen in town meeting ; and it is the duty of 
this board to hire the teachers, to see that the school build- 

t 



30G VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

iiigs are properly cared for, and to furnish the needed sup- 
plies for all schools of their town. 

The institution of the county examiner has secured 
better equipped teachers ; and the use of free text-books 
since 1894 has shown good results. 



s^Jk a Hi r ra 




liiP" ^' "^ ji 




Randolph Xorrnal School. 



J. S. Adams was an ardent believer in skilled supervi- 
sion, and skilled supervision is still a crying need of Vermont 
scliools. No less imjiortant is the need of increased sala- 
ries for teachers, and the consolidation of schools — that is, 
the closing of the small and unprofitable rural schools and 
the free transportation of pupils to the larger and better 



VERMONT SINCE THE CIVIL WAR 307 

equipped graded scliools, where better opportunities are 
afforded for systematic and thorough training. 

Educational Advantages. — Ever since the year 1864 the 
common schools of Vermont have been, to all intents and 
purposes, free, being provided for wholly at the public ex- 
pense ; previous to that time a part of the expense was, in 
many districts, laid upon the pupils. The revenue for the 
support of the public schools is now derived partly from the 
rent of lands and the interest on funds held by the State, 
but chiefly from school taxes. 

During the term of service of J. S. Adams, the high 
school became a part of the public school system. Its 
coming marked practically the beginning of the decline of 
schools of an academic nature, as the high schools were 
free and had about the same course of study as the acad- 
emies. Many of the academies that lived and flourished 
in the past, have now ceased to exist. 

Two of the State colleges, Middlebury and the Univer- 
sity of Vermont, have opened their doors to women stu- 
dents. In 1865 the University of Vermont added an agri- 
cultural department to her course of instruction. To each 
of her three colleges the State gives thirty scholarships, to 
poor but deserving students. A scholarsliip pays the tui- 
tion and room rent of the student. Each one of the thirty 
State Senators has a right to make one appointment for a 
State scholarship to each college ; or, on his failing to do 
so, the trustees of the colleges may make the appointments. 
In addition to the State scholarships there are scholarships 
by endowment, given by both colleges and academies. 

The law requires each town to maintain, for at least 
twenty-eight weeks each year, one or more free schools. It 
also requires every child between the ages of eight and fif- 



308 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

teen years to attend scliool at least twenty-six weeks, unless 
physically or meutully unable, or unless said pupil has al- 
ready completed the studies required by law. Hence the 
child of average intelligence must get a fair education 
wherever the law is enforced. And in view ^of the many 
advantages offered in the way of free high schools, scholar- 




Esbert Starr Library (Middleburv College). 



ships in other institutions that may be had for the asking, 
and the many means furnished for self-help everywhere, 
we must conclude that in the case of the young person who 
does not do better than to get a common school education, 
it is a lack of energy rather than of opportunity. 

We have spokeh, in cojmection with the Civil War, of 
the splendid military record of Norwich University ; but 



310 VERMONT FOE YOUNG VERMONTEES 

no less true has been the service of otlier schools and 
colleges of the State, though it has been of a different 
character. Upon the list of Middlebury College graduates 
we find clergymen and missionaries equalling in number 
fully one-third of the entire list, as well as teachers, lawyers, 
statesmen, and men of letters, who have gained wide distinc- 
tion. The product of the University of Vermont includes 
eminent men of varied professions : doctors, lawyers, 
judges, authors, and practical men of affairs, who with 
reason profess loyal affection for their alma mater. 

The Huntington Fund. — Arunah Huntington, of Brant- 
ford, Canada, a native Vermonter, left the State of Vermont 
1311,131.46, the interest of Avhich was to be divided among 
the towns, in proportion to their population, for the sup- 
port of schools. This became available in 1886. 

Libraries. — The public library now forms an important 
factor in the furtherance of education. In the year 1875 
there were only seven public libraries in the State. of Ver- 
mont, and at the present time (1904) the number exceeds 
one hundred. 



CHAPTER XXXIII 

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF INTEREST — INDUSTRIES 

Constitutional Amendments. — In the year 1870 the con- 
stitution of Vermont was so amended as to provide for 
biennial in place of annual sessions of the Legislature, in- 
creasing also the term of State and county officers to two 
years instead of one. 

Population ; Representatives in Congress. — Tlie popu- 
lation of Vermont in 1870 (330,^)51) was about double what 
it was in 1800. It has since remained practically station- 
ary, though increasing slightly, the greatest increase being 
between the years 1890 and 1900. The census of 1900 
showed a population of 343,641, and a gain in the preced- 
ing decade of about 11,000. Since the year 1880 Vermont 
has had two representatives in Congress. 

* Cities Incorporated. — There are now six cities in the 
State: Vergennes, Burlington, Rutland, Montpelier, Barre, 
and St. Albans. All except Vergennes have been incor- 
porated as cities during this period. Burlington has the 
largest population. 

Benevolent Institutions. — Vermont does not lack her 
benevolent institutions. Among the prominent ones in- 
stituted in the last half century are the Vermont Soldiers' 
Home, established at Bennington, in 1884 ; and the Ver- 
mont State Hospital for the Insane, at Waterbury, in 
1891. 

311 



312 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

The State Flower.— By act of the Legislature of 1894 
the red clover was made the State flower of Vermont. 

Fort Ethan Allen. — A military post, called Fort Ethan 
Allen, has been established at Essex, the first garrison to 
arrive in 8eptend)er, 1894. 

The Telephone ; Electric Lights ; Electric Roads ; Rail- 
roads. — The original patent lov the Bell telephone was is- 
sued in 18T6, and it was only two or three years later that 
telephones appeared in the State of Vermont. They were 
at first local, Burlington being the first in the State to adopt 




Fort Ethan Allen, at iiissox. 

their use. The first trunk line was run from Montpelier 
to Burlington in 1883. 

A great effulgence hurst upon nearly every large village 
in the State on the coming of the electric light some tinie 
in the ^80s, and closely following api)eared the electric road. 
The first electric road was opened for operation in Rutland 
in 1885 ; and now tlie lines of this railway are fast thread- 
ing their course through the State. 

The railroads are still branching out, now si3anning the 
waters of Lake Champlaiu to reach the islands of the lake. 




m 



3U VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

The Decline of Wool-growing. — At different i^eriods in 
Vermont history wool-growing has been among its chief 
industries, but tlie time arrived wlien it became unprofita- 
ble because of competition. Aiistralian wool came upon 
the market and also Western wool, both of which could be 
sold at a cheaper price than Vermont wool, hence there was 
nothing, apparently, for the shepherd to do but to give n]} 
the unequal contest ; and, as the late Rowland E. Robinson 
says, " Most of them cast away their crooks and became 
dairymen." 

Dairy Products, — Dairy ^^roducts are now far more im- 
portant among our exports than wool ; and all througli 
Vermont, tlie pasture-lands are flecked with Holstein, 
Jersey, Ayrshire, and shorthorn ; but sheep, though fre- 
quently seen, are much less numerous than formerly. 

The butter and cheese of Vermont are still in as good 
repute as in the days when milk was set in small pans and 
the cream churned in the dash-churn ; when the only cheese- 
press was a rough bench and lever ; and the coo2:>er shop, 
which is now becoming a rare sight, was kept busy making 
the large casks and firkins, into which a half-dozen cheeses 
or the butter of many churnings was packed for the market. 

The greater part of the milk from the farms now goes 
to the numerous creameries, wliere the milk from many 
stables is all put together and nuide into cheese or butter, 
the greater part into butter. 

The Franklin County Creamery of St. Albans, incor- 
porated in 1890, is one of the largest creameries in tlie 
world, turning out 3,000,000 jiounds of butter yearly. 

The Maple and Its Products. — Almost the last of the 
giant pines, that were once the crowning pride of the 
Green Mountain State, has been laid low by the ax ; but 



VERMONT SINCE THE CIVIL WAR 315 

the record of its glory will forever remain intact where 
Ira Allen has placed it-=-upon the State seal. To-day the 



Bums Monument, Baire. 

maple is preeminently the State tree. It is the forest-tree 
most cultivated, not only because of the maple-sugar it 



316 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

produces, but also because of its beauty and utility as a 
shade-tree. Here in Vermont it reaches its greatest per- 
fection. To the south it follows only the mountainous 
localities, to tlie north it becomes dwarfed and stunted. 

As a producer of maple-sugar, the Vermont maple is 
the best in the workl. In both the quantity and the 
quality of this product, A'ermont leads all the States of the 
Union. Indeed, she is said to produce about one-third of 
all the maple-sugar manufactured in this country ; and 
yet less than one-half of the maple-trees of the State are 
tapped. In a good sugar season it is estimated that the 
maple-sugar crop brings to Vermont over a million dollars. 

The methods of production have, indeed, undergone 
marked changes since the days when our forefathers boiled 
down the sap in huge caldron kettles over open fires ; but 
the product itself has changed also, for the large evapo- 
rator now in use has greatly improved the quality of Ver- 
mont maple-sugar. 

Lumber Trade. — One of the most important industries 
of the State is the manufacture of lumber and timber 
products. Burlington ranked third in importance as a 
lumber market in the" United States in 1882. Since that 
time there has been a decrease in the lumber trade of the 
city, but it is still ver}' great. 

In addition to the lumber produced, our Vermont 
forests furnish material for a large number of pulp-mills, 
twenty-seven establishments being reported in 1900 as 
engaged in the manufacture of paper and wood pulp. 
Every year the pulp-mills consume great quantities of both 
spruce and poplar, a fact which acts as a great incentive 
to the owners of woodlands to cultivate the growth of these 
trees. 



VERMONT SINCE THE CIVIL WAR 317 

Arbor Day. — During Governor Samuel E. Pingree's 
term of office, Arbor Day was instituted in the State for 
the purpose of encouraging the setting out of trees along 
the highways and upon public and private grounds. That 
very year 30,000 trees were planted. The beneficent re- 
sults of this move are manifest. 

Marble ; Granite ; Slate. — The quarrying of marble is 
now one of the chief industries of tlie State. It assumed 
no very great dimensions 

till about the time of the f ' ::^ ^ 

Civil War. Since that 
time the growth has been 
both steady and rapid. [ 

The barren sheep- [ ^^ 

pasture, which, scarcely 
more than a half century 

ago, was so little valued | W|,^M5^*^' ^ 
that it was given m ex- ; « -^«w -- 

change for an old horse. --^fS^^^R.ppiKfPSfw*'' , 

has been transformed into 

the valuable quarries of 

West Rutland ; and from 

a small and unimiiortant t:s - - 

industry, the Vermont Front panel of Burns Monument. 
Marble Company of Rut- 
land, West Rutland, and Proctor has grown to be one of 
the largest marble-producing establishments in the world, 
if it is not the largest. Marble is also quarried in Pitts- 
ford, Brandon, Swanton, Isle La Motte, and other towns. 

The growth of the granite industry during the last 
quarter of a century has been phenomenal. The most ex- 
tensive quarries are in Barre and Woodbury ; but quarries 



318 VEEMONT EOR YOUNG VEEMOXTERS 

liave also been opened in Hardwick, Williamstown, Dum- 
nierston, Windsor, and Eyegate during this period. 

The rapid growth in the population of some of these 
towns is due almost entirely to the development of this 
industr}^ The city of Barre has the largest per cent of 
increase in population. In a single year 1,000 Scotch fam- 
ilies came to work in the quarries ; and between 1880 and 
1890 the population of that town trebled. 

The quarrying and cutting of slate is an important 
industry in southwestern Vermont, Twenty-three estab- 
lishments engaged in the manufacture of roofing material 
are reported in the State in 1900. Slate goods from these 
factories are now shipped to all j^arts of our country and 
even to Europe. 

Vermont now ranks first among the States in monu- 
mental work, and in the production of slate goods is ex- 
ceeded only by the State of Pennsylvania. A fitting type 
of her monumental work is the Burns monument, which 
was unveiled in Barre in 1899. This is made entirely of 
Barre granite, and is conceded by all to be of master work- 
manship. The statue represents the peasant plowman 
in workaday garb returning from his daily toil. Of equal 
interest are the four panels, executed in high relief, illus- 
trating some of the poems of Burns. The front panel, 
representing "The Cotter's Saturday Night," is the Burns 
family at evening devotions about a table, the father read- 
ing from the Bible, to which all listen with devout interest. 



CHAPTER XXXIV 

PROMTXENT VERMONTERS 

Prominent in Politics. — Vermont statesmen are not 
altogether past products. In the last lialf century no 
name has been more closely identified Avith the political 
history of the State tlian that of Justin 8. Morrill. He 
was first elected to Congress in 1855 ; and, after serving in 
the House of Representatives for a dozen years, was trans- 
ferred to the Senate. This position he held till his death. 

He is chiefly known in connection with the Morrill 
tariff, which was reported by him in the House in 18G1; 
and for the important part which he played in securing 
the enactment that established agricultural colleges in all 
the States. At his suggestion, old Representative Hall, in 
the United States Capitol, was set apart as a national hall 
of statuary, where each State was privileged to place 
statues of her chosen sons, to stand permanent memorials 
of her past achievements. And there to-day statues of 
the hero of Ticonderoga and Jacob Collamer fittingly rep- 
resent the Green Mountain State among the tributes of her 
sister commonwealths. 

At the time of his death (1899) Mr. Morrill's congres- 
sional service of nearly forty-four years had exceeded that 
of any living colleague ; and throughout his entire service 
Mr. Morrill was held in great esteem by the lawmakers of 
both parties. 

33 319 



820 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VEEMONTERS 




Of equal rank stands also George F. Edmunds. lie 
was born in Richmond and commenced the practise of law 

in Burlington in 1851. From 
this time on he was closely 
identified with the govern- 
ment of our State, both in 
tiie House of Representatives 
and in the Senate. 

On the death of Solomon 
Foot, he was appointed to fill 
the vacancy from Vermont in 
the United States Senate, tak- 
ing his seat in 1866. His 
labors for the establishment 
of a national university at 
Washington were eminently 
successful. This position he 
continned to hold for twenty-five years, when he resigned 
He was considered a leading man in the Senate, and held 
in great respect by his colleagues, 
gaining great distinction as a con- 
stitutional lawyer. 

In the National Republican 
Convention of 1880 he was largely 
supported for the Presidency of the 
United States. 

In this list of great men of 
political distinction we would 
place also the name of Edward J. 
Phelps. Born in Middlebury, he 
was graduated at Middlebury College, and afterward prac- 
tised law in both New York and Burlington. 



Hon. Justin S. Monill. 




George F. Edmunds. 




VERMONT SINCE THE CIVIL WAR 321 

He lias held many positions of distinction. In 1885 he 
was appointed by President Cleveland United States Minis- 
ter to Great Britain ; and he was one 
of the counsel for the United States 
before the Bering Sea arbitration 
tribunal in 1893. He died in 1900. 

Historical Writers. — The late 
Rowland E. Robinson, as a story- 
writer, has stood easily ahead of all 
Vermont writers in the last half cen- 



n 

tury. In such books as Uncle Lisha's ^ 
Shop, Sam Lovell's Camp, Sam Edward J. Phelps. 
Lovell's Boy, the Danvis Pioneer, etc., he has portrayed the 
life of the early Vermonter in a simple but very charming 
manner, preserving the peculiar language of the New 
England country folk, who dwelt apart from the education 
and culture of the cities, as well as the so-called " Canuck " 
dialect, a curious mixture of bad English and the speech 
of our neighbor across the line. 

Most of his stories were written after he was deprived 
of his sight ; he worked by the aid of the grooved board, 
which enabled him to guide his lines. Ahvays a student 
of nature and possessing keen discernment, his misfortune 
could not deprive him of the true sight, that of the mind ; 
and out of this great treasure-house, to the last, he was 
able to draw rich word-pictures. 

A prominent feature of all his stories is their whole- 
someness. It is said, of all the compliments paid his work, 
the one which pleased him most was the testimony of a 
mother who said, "Mr. Robinson's books are the kind I 
like my boys to read." 

In a series of histories entitled The Commonwealth, 



323 VEEMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 



he was given the honor of writing the history of Ver- 
mont, a task whicli he accomplished in an eminently 
successful manner. He died at his home in Ferrisburg 
in 1900. 

Hiland Hall's Early History of Vermont, and J. J. 
Benedict's Vermont in the Civil War are both recognized 

authorities on those por- 
tions of Vermont history 
of which they treat. 

Julia C. R. Dorr.— Ver- 
mont has hart)ored also a 
gifted authoress in the last 
lialf century in Mrs. Julia 
C. R. Dorr, who, though 
born in the South, has for 
many years made Riitlaml 
lier home. She is both a 
novelist and a poetess ; but 
she has gained her cliief 
fame as a song -writer; 
and among America's 
sweet singers she holds 
higii rank. A fair type of her songs is the sweet poem, 
In Memoriam, written at the death of Mr. Robinson and 
ending with — "'And he who once was blind hath done 
with night." 

Thomas W. "Wood. — Vermont has not been without her 
artists in this period. Prominent among them is Thomas 
AYaterman AYood, who belongs not wholly to this period, 
having done much commendable work even before the 
middle of the nineteenth century. He was born in Mont- 
pelier in 1823, and in that city spent most of his days ; 




Rowland E. Kobinson. 



VEEMONT SINCE THE CIVIL WAR 323 

though in his last few years he made New York city his 
home, where he was president of the National Academy of 
Design. He died in New York in 1903, and was brought 
to Montpelier for burial. He is best known as a portrait 
and genre painter. Some of his best work may be seen at 
the AVood Art Gallery in Montpelier. 

The Spanish War. — To aid the Cubans in their struggle 
for independence against the unjust tyranny of Spain, the 
United States declared war against the latter April 23, 
1898. In response to the call of Governor Grout, the 
Legislature met in extra session at Montpelier, May 5, con- 
tinuing in session three days, to provide for raising and 
equipping a regiment for the service. A regiment was 
speedily formed and soon reported at Chickamauga Park 
ready for action. Although Vermont troops never saw 
active service in the war, it cannot be denied that native 
Vermont men were conspicuously identified with the in- 
auguration and the prosecution of the war. Three names 
should be given special mention — those of Senator Proctor, 
Admiral Dewey, and Admiral Clark. 

The movement for Cuban independence, if not precipi- 
tated, was certainly given a tremendous impetus in tliis 
country by Senator Proctor's visit to the island and his 
subsequent speech in the Senate revealing the deplorable 
condition of the people of Cuba. 

Admiral Dewey. — On April 2G, the following despatch, 
dated at Washington, April 24, reached Commodore 
Dewey, who had command of the Asiatic Squadron, then 
near Hongkong : 

War has commenced between the United States and Spain. 
Proceed at once to the Philippine Islands. Commence opera- 



324 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 



tions at once, particularly against the Spanish fleet. You must 

capture vessels or destroy. Use utmost endeavors. 

Long. 

Commodore Dewey was ready ; and, on this notification, 
sailed, in his flag-ship Olympia, with his fleet of nine ships, 

from Hongkong. Ou the morning 
of May 1, he had passed the 
dreaded forts at the entrance of 
Manila Bay, and was within its 
enclosure. 

Dawn revealed just ahead the 
Spanish fleet, and Dewey at once 
engaged the enemy. From ships 
and forts there was a continuous 
roar, the American vessels pour- 
ing forth a fire, which in accuracy, 
rapidity, and volume has never 
been surpassed. After a short engagement the Americans 
withdrew to the other side of the bay (much to the elation 




George Dewey. 




Admiral Dewey's birthplace at Montpelier. 



VEEMONT SIN^CE THE CIVIL WAR 325 



of the Spaniards, who thought they had won the da}^), and 
there ate their breakfast at their leisure, and brought fresh 
supplies of ammunition to their vessels. 

Three hours afterward they made a second assault ; 
and, after a stubborn fight, Dewey was able to send the 
following despatch to the United States, dated May 1, at 
Manila : 

Squadron arrived at Manila at daybreak this morning. 
Immediately engaged the enemy, and destroyed the following 
Spanish vessels: .... Dewey. 

The American fleet had in- 
deed destroyed or disabled all the 
Spanish vessels without serious 
damage to any of our ships and 
without the loss of a man. The 
brilliancy of Dewey's victory at 
Manila won the admiration of the 
world, and in recognition of his 
services he was made Eear-Ad- 
miral and afterward Admiral of 
the navy. 

Admiral Clark. — Shortly be- 
fore the breaking out of the 

Spanish War, Captain Charles E. Clark was given the 
command of the now famous vessel, the Oregon, and 
directed to bring it from San Francisco into the waters of 
the Atlantic. The perilous journey of more than thirteen 
thousand miles was made in safety in sixty-six days, the 
vessel arriving in good condition ; and shortly after it 
joined Sampson's fleet ofE Santiago de Cuba. 

The Spanish fleet, under the command of Cervera, 
was then in Santiago Harbor ; and when, on the morning 




Charles E. Clark. 



326 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

of July 3, 1898, it attempted to escape, the Oregon proved 
a powerful factor in preventing this and in destroying the 
vessels. 

The Vermonter of Yesterday, To-day, and To-morrow. — 
Take it all in all, probably no commonwealth in the Union 
has a cleaner record than Vermont. Her affairs have, as a 
rule, been honestly, intelligently, wisely, and effectually 
managed. To be sure, her sons and daughters have sinned 
sometimes, and have sometimes made mistakes, but their 




Birthplace of Admiral Clark, at Bradford. 



sliortcomings have been more than overbalanced by their 
brave deeds and wise actions. The Vermonter of the past 
and present is so well portrayed in Mr. Robinson's history 
of Vermont that I quote him in full. "The quaint indi- 
viduality of the earlier people is fast dissolving into com- 
mon-place likeness, so that now the typical Green Mountain 
Boy of the olden time endures only like an ancient pine 
that, spared by some chance, rears its rugged crest above 
the second growth, still awaiting the tempest or the ax 



VERMONT SINCE THE CIVIL WAR 327 

that shall lay it low ; yet, as the pine changing its habits 
of growth Avith changed conditions is still a pine, so the 
Vermonter of to-day, when brought to the test, proves to 
be of the same tough fiber as were his ancestors.'"' 

The question that now confronts us is : Shall this 
record be maintained ? The decision of this momentous 
question rests with the boys and girls of to-day. You 
who are now studying the history of your State, will soon 
have a hand in making its history. The responsibility 
will then rest with you, and Vermont will be what you 
make it. 

TEST. 

1. Give an account of the Fenian Haid. 

2. Where are the normal schools of the State situated? 
8. Give something of the history of these schools. 

4. Where is situated the Vermont Industrial School, and what is its 

purpose? 

5. Where is the Vermont Soldiers' Home? the Vermont State Hos- 

pital for the Insane? Fort Ethan Allen? 

6. What is meant by the town system of schools, and when was it 

introduced into Vermont? 

7. Where are Vermont's colleges situated? Name and locate as 

many secondary schools as you can. 

8. What can you say of the educational advantages of the State? 

9. In what way was the school fund increased in 188()? 

10. What can you say of the growth of the library? 

11. What amendment was made to the Vermont constitution in 1870? 

12. Give the population of Vermont in round numbers. 

13. How many representatives has Vermont in Congress? Senators? 

Who are the present incumbents? 

14. What industries of the early settlers are still prominent? 

15. Name as many as you can that are now unprofitable or have 

ceased to exist. 
l(i. What can you say of the Franklin County Creamery? 
17. What is the forest-tree now most cultivated in Vermont? Give 

reasons. 



328 VERMONT FOE YOUNG VERMONTERS 

18. What can you say of the lumber trade of Vermont;? 

19. What can you say of the growth of the marble and granite indus- 

tries in the last fifty years? 

20. What can you say of the record of Justin S. Morrill? of George 

F. Edmunds? of Edward J. Phelps? 

21. In what line of literature is Rowland E. Robinson noted? Julia 

C. R. Dorr? 

22. What was Vermont's part in the Spanish War? 

23. Describe the destruction of the Spanish fleet at Manila. 

24. Tell of the journey and subsequent work of the Oregon. 

25. Upon whom depends the future success of the Green Mountain 

State ? 




Map of Vermont. 



GEOGRAPHY OF VERMONT 

Boundaries and Extent. — Vermont is bounded on the 
nortli l)y the l-)oininion of Canada, on the east by New 
Hampshire, on the south by Massachusetts, and on the 
west by New York. It lies between the meridians 71 de 
grees 33 minutes and 73 degrees 25 minutes west longitude, 
and the parallels 42 degrees 44 minutes and 45 degrees 43 
seconds north latitude. Its eastern boundary-line is the 
west bank of the Connecticut Kiver, and the western, for 
the most part, the deepest channel of Lake Champlain and 
the Poultney River. 

Vermont is about one hundred and sixty miles long, 
ninety miles wide at its northern boundary and about forty 
at its southern. It contains 10,200 square miles. 

Physical Features. — -The Green Mountains extend the 
entire length of the State north and south, a little west of 
the middle line of the State. The points above 4,000 feet 
are : Mt. Mansfield, Chin, 4,389; Killington Peak, 4,221; 
Camel's Hump, 4,088; Lincoln Peak, 4,078; Jay Peak, 
4,018. 

West of the main range, and lying chiefly in the soutli- 
western part of the State, is the Taconic range. Its high- 
est peaks are Equinox and Eolus. At the north, and lying 
near Lake Champlain, are the Red Sandrock hills, the 
highest point Grandview. In the eastern part of the State 
are the granitic mountains, among which are Black, As- 
cutney, Knox, Pisgah, and Ilor. 

330 



332 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

A portion of the Connecticut Valley lies in eastern Ver- 
mont ; and that part of Vermont Avliich lies adjacent to 
Lake Champlain, known here as the Cham^ilain Valley, is 
a j)ortion of the Great Valley of the Appalachians, These 
lowlands are rich agricultural regions, and many fine farms 
are within their limits. Some of the other valleys are : 




Tliuiupson's Point, Lake Cluiinplaiu. 



The Central Valley, which extends from the northern part 
of the State two-thirds the length of the State, east of the 
main range of the Green Mountains ; Southwest Valley, 
between the Green Mountains and the Taconic range ; Otter 
Creek ; Winooski ; Missisquoi ; and White River. 

There are no large lakes lying wholly in Vermont, but 
there are many small lakes and ponds. These are fast be- 



GEOGRAPHY OF VERMONT 333 

coming favorite summer resorts because of tlie beauty of tlie 
scenery wliicb they afford. 




Notch Road, Mt. Mansfield. 

Lake Champlain. — Lake Champhiin is 126 miles long ; 
its greatest Avidth is thirteen miles. About one-fifth of its 
length lies in Canada, and the rest in Vermont and New 
York. It empties into the St. Lawrence River through 
the Richelieu. 



334 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

Lake Memphremagog. — Lake Mempliremagog is about 
thirty-three miles in lengtli and two to three miles in width. 
Three-fourtlis of this lake lies in Canada and one-fourth in 
Vermont. This empties also into the St. Lawrence River, 
through the St. Francis. 

Climate ; Soil. — The position of Vermont near the mid- 
dle of the north temperate zone, with its rather high alti- 
tude, gives it a somewhat cool but healthful climate. A 
generally fertile soil and an average rainfall of from thirty 
inches in the dryest portions of the State to forty-five in 
the wettest, render the greater part of the surface suitable 
for cultivation or pasturage. Mudi of the hill-land is 
covered with a dense forest growth from which much valu- 
able lumber is obtained. 

Mineral Products. — There are vast deposits of marble, 
granite, and slate throughout the State, as well as some 
limestone, soapstone, red sandstone, mica, and kaolin. The 
ores of the useful and })recious metals are not abundant in 
Vermont, though co])per, iron, lead, and gold are found in 
greater or less quantities. 

Counties. — Vermont has fourteen counties. Given al- 
phabetically they are : Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, 
Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, 
Orleans. Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor. 

Shire Towns. — The shire towns are as follows : 

1. Addison, ^liddlehun'. 8. Lamoille, Hyde Park. 

2. Bennington, Bennington and 9. Orange, Chelsea. 

Manchester. 10. Orleans, Newport. 

3. Caledonia, St. Johnshury. 11. Rntland, Rutland. 

4. Chittenden, Burlington. 12. Washington, Montpelier. 

5. Essex, Guildhall. 13. Windham, Newfane. 

6. Franklin, St. Albans. 14. Windsor, Woodstock. 

7. Grand Isle, North Hero. 




/lA ^3 A C^U^ f r7-3 



Geological map of Vermont. 
(Drawn from map in The Vermonter.) 

23 335 



836 VERMOKT FOR YOUNG VERMOKTERS 

Towns; Cities; Gores. — Vermont has (1904) 243 towns, 
three of them being unorganized. The unorganized towns 
are Averill, Lewis, and Ferdinand, adjoining towns in 
Essex County. 

It has six cities. Named in the order in which they 
were chartered they are : Vergennes, Burlington, Rut- 
hmd, Montpelier, Barre, and St. Albans. Montpelier is 
the capital of the State. 

Its gores are six in number : Avery's Gore, Warren's 
Gore, and Warner's Grant (or Warner's Gore), in Essex 
County ; Avery's Gore in Franklin County ; and Avery's 
Gore and Buel's Gore in Chittenden County. The two last 
are usually spoken of together as Avery and Buel's Gore. 

Congressional and Probate Districts. — There are two 
congressional districts in Vermont, one comprising the 
eastern part of the State and the other the western. These 
districts are for the election of representatives to Congress. 
The first district comjjrises the counties Grand Isle, Frank- 
lin, Lamoille, Chittenden, Addison, Rutland, and Benning- 
ton ; and the second, Orleans, Essex, Caledonia, Washing- 
ton, Orange, Windsor, and Windham counties. 

Vermont contains twenty probate districts. Each of the 
northern counties constitutes one probate district, and the 
six counties in the southern part of the State, two each. 

GEOGRAPHY QUESTIONS. 

1. Bound Vermont. 

2. What mountain-range extends through the State ? 

3. Name and locate the highest five peaks. How high is Mt. Mans- 
field ? 

4. What mountains are located in the western part of the State ? 

5. Locate the granite deposits of tlie State, the marble, the slate. 

6. What river borders Vermont on the east? 



GEOGEAPHY OF VEEMONT 337 

7. What lake borders it on the west ? 

8. What lake at the north is partly in Vermont and partly in 
Canada ? 

1). Name the rivers of Vermont that empty into the Connecticut. 

10. Those that empty into Lake Champlain. 

11. Those that empty into Hudson River. 

12. Those that empty into Lake Memphrenuigog. 

13. Name some of the most important ponds and lakes that lie 
wholly in Vermont. 

1-t. Make a map of Vermont, putting in the counties. 

15. Name and locate the counties. 

16. Name the shire towns of the counties. 

17. Make a railroad map of the State of Vermont. 

18. What important towns would you jjass through in going by rail 
from Burlington to White River Junction ? from Bennington to St. 
Albans ? from Bellows Falls to Rutland ? from Windsor to Newport ? 
from Wells River to Burlington ? from Newport to Burlington ? from 
Rutland to Alburg through the islands of Lake Champlain ? 

19. Locate Newport, St. Albans, Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland, 
Manchester, Windsor, Brattleboro, St. Johnsbury, Springfield, Barre, 
Bennington, Ludlow, Waterbury, Northfield, White River Junction, 
Wells River. 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT 



THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT 

Departments of Government. — Tlie United States, like 
other countries, lias a set of laws in accordance with which 
it is governed. Some of these laws forbid certain acts, 
some of them regulate business affairs, and some state 
what public officers shall be chosen ami what tlieir duties 
and powers shall be. Acts forbidden by law are called 
crimes ; and the people who disobey the laws, criminals. 

It is just as imperative tliat laws be obeyed as that they 
be made ; and for this reason tiie people select officers 
whose duty it is to see that they are obeyed. The chief 
executive officer is the President. 

Sometimes innocent people are accused of breaking the 
law ; besides, it is not easy to tell just what the law 
means in every case : hence still another set of men must 
be chosen to decide whether or not the accused are guilty, 
and to interpret the laws. These men are called Justices 
or Judges. 

We thus see that our Government has three distinct 
branches : the legislative, or lawmaking ; the executive, 
or law-enforcing ; and the judicial, or law-inter})reting. 

The Constitution. — Our country has a written code of 
laws, which is called the Constitution. The Constitution 

338 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT 



339 



tells what each branch of the Government may do and what 
it may not do. It acts as a great check on bad legislation, 
for no laws can be made by Congress that are contrary to 
the rules stated in the Constitution. 




llaih"oad bridge over Quechee Gulf, Woodstock Railroad. 



340 VEEMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMONTEES 

Congress. — The National Government consists of two 
lawmaking bodies, the Senate and the House of Eepresent- 
atives ; and these are together called Congress. Congress 
meets annually at Washington, D. C, and each of its law- 
making bodies has a large hall in the Capitol in which to 
hold its meetings. Each is presided over by a chairman. 
The chairman of the Senate is the Vice-President of the 
United States ; the presiding officer of the House is chosen 
by that body from among its own members, and he is called 
the Speaker of the House. A member of the Senate is 
called a Senator ; and a member of the House, a Eepre- 
sentative, or Congressman. 

How Laws are Made. — If a Senator or a Congressman 
thinks there ought to be a certain kind of law, he writes it 
out and then proposes it to the lawmaking body to which 
he belongs. This writing is called a bill ; and it is usually 
referred to a committee, who consider it and then report 
their opinion of it to the House. Then it is debated, and, 
if a majority favor it, it is ordered a third reading at some 
specified time. Directly after the third reading a vote is 
taken on it ; if there are more ayes than noes, the bill is 
said to have 2:)assed that House. It is then taken to the 
other lawmaking body, where the same thing is repeated. 
Passing the second House it is taken to the President ; and, 
on his signing it, it becomes a law. If the President thinks 
that the bill should not become a law, he vetoes it. Then 
the bill (with the President's objections to it) is sent back 
to the House in which it originated. If it now passes both 
Houses by a two-thirds vote, it becomes a law. This is 
called passing a bill over the President's veto. 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT 341 

THE STATE GOVERNMENT 

Home Rule. — The laws of the United States are made 
by and for the whole nation, and it is the duty of every 
citizen to obey such laws implicitly and cheerfully. In ad- 
dition to the National Government, each State in the Union 
has a government of its own, which we may call the " Home 
Rule." This is modeled after and is very similar to the 
United States Government. Like it, it has three distinct 
branches : the legislative, executive, and judicial. It has 
a supreme law called the constitution, and no State law can 
be made which shall in any way interfere with the provi- 
sions of this instrument. There are two lawmaking bodies, 
the Senate and the House of Representatives. The chief 
executive officer is the Governor, and he signs or refuses 
to sign all bills and resolutions passed by the lawmaking 
bodies. No State has any right to make laws which do not 
accord with National laws. The United States make laws 
relating to those matters which affect the interests of the 
whole country; while the right is reserved to the State to 
enact and enforce laws relating to its own internal affairs. 
Thus, immigration, postal affairs, and the collection of 
duties on goods from other countries, for example, are un- 
der the control of the National Government, and offenses 
for a violation of any of these are triable in the United 
States courts ; while laws relating to schools, highways, and 
the like, and the punishment of most crimes, are within 
State control. 

LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT 

The Legislature. — The Senate and the House of Repre- 
sentatives are together called the General Assembly, or 
more commonly, the Legislature. Both have halls in the 



342 VEKMOXT FOR YOUNG VERMOXTERS 

Capitol at Montpelier, where they hold their meetings. 
The Legislature meets biennially, beginning on the first 
Wednesday in October, of the even years, and closing, usu- 
ally, before the first of December. The process of law- 
making is much the same in the Legislature as in Congress. 

The Senate; Senators. — The Senate is at present com- 
posed of thirty members. The Senators are apportioned 
to the counties according to their population ; some coun- 
ties sending one, some two, and some three or more mem- 
bers to represent them in the Senate. Each county is, how- 
ever, entitled to one Senator regardless of its population. 

The term of office of a Senator is two years. To be 
eligible to this office a person must be at least thirty years 
of age. He is elected by the freemen of the county in 
which he resides. For election a plurality vote is neces- 
sary for a choice — that is, the person among the candi- 
dates named who receives the greatest number of votes is 
elected. 

The Lieutenant-Governor presides not only over the 
Senate, but also over the Senate and House when they 
meet in joint assembly, as they do for some purposes. 

Besides helping to make the laws, the Senate has sole 
power to try all cases of impeachment, propose amend- 
ments to the constitution, and confirm certain appoint- 
ments made by tlie Governor. 

The House of Representatives ; Representatives — Each 
organized town and each city is entitled to one Repre- 
sentative in the General Assembly ; and, as there are at 
present 240 organized towns and six cities in the State, 
the House consists of 246 members, if all towns and cities 
elect. 

The term of office is, like that of a Senator, two years ; 




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CIVIL GOVERNMENT 



343 



and, like the Senators, the Representatives are chosen in 
freemen's meeting; but a majority (more than half) of all 
the votes cast is required for election. To be eligible to 
the office of Representative, a man must be at least twenty- 
one years of age, a citizen of the United States, and must 
have been a resident of the State at least two years and of 
the town or city which he wishes to represent, the year 
next preceding election. 




Mark Skinner l.ilirary, Manchester. 

The House has sole power to order all impeachments, 
as the Senate has the power to try all such cases ; and it is 
in the House that all revenue bills must originate. To 
secure the passage of a bill in either the House or the 
Senate a majority vote is required — that is, a majority of 
the votes of a quorum (the number of members required to 
do the business). The House chooses one of its own mem- 
bers as chairman, and he is called the Speaker. 

How the Constitution is Amended. — Article 25 of the 



344 VERMONT FOE YOUNG YERMONTERS 

Amendments of the Yermont Constitution thus provides 
for tlie amending of the constitution : At any session of 
the Legislature wliose year is divisible by ten, the Senate 
may, by a two-thirds vote, propose an amendment to the 
constitution. If, after considering it, a majority of the 
House of Representatives vote for it, it is referred to the 
next General Assembly. It is then published in the prin- 
cipal newspapers of the State; and if, Avhen it is taken up 
by the next General Assembly, it passes both Houses by a 
majority vote, it is then submitted to the direct vote of the 
people. On receiving a majority of the votes of the free- 
men, it becomes a part of the constitution. 

Election of Officers. — In addition to its lawmaking 
duties, the General Assembly elects certain State officers, 
among whom are the State Superintendent of Education ; 
the Adjutant, Inspector, and Quartermaster-General ; the 
Judges of the Supreme Court; and the Sergeant-at-Arms, 
who has the care of the State House and grounds and ex- 
ecutes the orders of either House during a session of the 
Legislature. One of the most important duties of the 
General Assembly is the election of United States Senators. 
Each State is entitled to two Senators in Congress, and the 
term of office of a United States Senator is six 5^ears. It is 
so arranged that the Senators do not all finish their terms 
at the same time, but about one-third every two years. 

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT 

State Officers; How chosen Some of the State offi- 
cers are chosen by the freemen of the State, some by the 
General Assembly, and some receive their offices through 
appointment. 

The supreme executive power of the State is exercised 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT 



345 



by the Governor, or, in his absence, by the Lieutenant- 
Governor. The other chief executive officers of the State are 
the Secretary of State, Treasurer, and Auditor of Accounts, 
The Governor; the Lieutenant-Governor — It is the 

duty of the President of the United States to see that the 
Constitution and the hiws made by Congress are obeyed. 




\\ iiiuo.>ki Valley, near North Duxbury. 



The Governor of each State has similar duties in respect to 
his State. In the absence of the Governor the duties of his 
office fall upon the Lieutenant-Governor; and in case of 
the Governor's death, the Lieutenant-Governor becomes 
chief executive of the State. 

In Vermont the Governor and the Lieutenant-Governor 



346 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

are chosen for a term of two years. The annual salary of 
the Goveriior is 11,500; the Lieutenant-Governor receives 
16 a day, with an allowance for traveling expenses, during 
a session of the Legislature. 

The Governor is the commander-in-chief of the State 
militia. He has power to call out the militia at any time 
in case of imminent danger to the State, or, on request of 
the President, may call the militia into the service of the 
United States. 

By law he has power to appoint a number of the sub- 
ordinate officers of the State, some of the appointments 
being subject to confirmation by the Senate. Among these 
are inspector of finance, commissioner of State taxes, rail- 
road commissioners, highway commissioners, fish and game 
commissioners, board of agriculture, board of health, direct- 
ors of State prison and house of correction, State geologist, 
and normal school examiners. 

He may grant pardons and remit fines, in all cases except 
treason, murder, and impeachment. He is also keeper of 
the Great Seal of the State. 

Secretary of State Among the most important duties 

of the Secretary of State, are the pul)]ishing of the State 
laws, tlie keeping of a record of all laws made by the 
General Assembly, and the care of certain State docu- 
ments. Whenever the Senate and the House of Repre- 
sentatives meet in joint session, he is clerk of the meeting. 
His annual salary is $1,700. He and the State Treasurer 
are also the Insurance Commissioners of the State, and for 
duties as such each receives 11,000 additional. 

The Treasurer. — It is the duty of the Treasurer to 
safely care for all the funds of the State, borrow money in 
behalf of the State when it becomes necessary, j)ay all 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT 



347 



State bills upon the order of the Auditor of Accounts, issue 
warrants for State taxes, apportion United States deposit 
money, and perform other duties of his office. His annual 
salary is 11,700, with an additional 11,000 for his services 
as Insurance Commissioner. 

Auditor of Accounts. — The Auditor examines bills 
against tiie State and makes sure they are correct before 





L^ 





Moutpelier Seminary. 



they are paid. He then draws upon the Treasurer for the 
payment of such sums as he finds justly due. With the 
consent of the Governor he has the right to rent or sell 
any property belonging to the State. Twice a year he 
visits each county to examine and adjust the accounts of 
the sheriflF, judges of probate, county clerks, and other 
county officers. 



348 VERMOXT FOE YOUNG VEEMONTEES 

The annual salary of the Auditor of Accounts is 
$2,000 and expenses while performing certain duties of 
his office. 

State Superintendent of Education. — The State Super- 
intendent of Education is at the head of educational 
matters in the State. It is his duty to hold teachers' 
institutes and summer schools for teachers, ascertain the 
condition of schools throughout the State, advise with 
school officers and teachers, prepare questions to be used 
in the public examination of teachers, and to perform other 
duties along educational lines. 

He is elected by the General Assembly in joint session ; 
and it is his duty to report biennially to that body con- 
cerning educational matters of the State and to suggest 
any measures which he deems will be for the advancement 
of school interests. His annual salary is $2,000, with an 
additional allowance for traveling expenses and clerk hire. 

Commissioner of State Taxes. — It is the duty of the 
Commissioner of State Taxes to prepare and distribute 
blanks to be filled out with facts concerning corporations, 
companies, or persons, taxable by the State under the law, 
in order that the amount of tax for each may be deter- 
mined. It is his duty also to collect taxes from such cor- 
porations, companies, or persons, as shall refuse to pay the 
tax assessed. 

Inspector of Finance. — The Inspector of Finance ex- 
amines the accounts of the Auditor and the State Treas- 
urer and reports to the Legislature. He also holds the 
bonds of treasurers of savings-banks and trust companies, 
and examines and rej^orts the condition of these banks 
throughout the State. 

State Boards and Commissions. — Various boards and 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT 



349 



commissions liave been ca-eated by the General Assembly 
to aid in conducting the business of the State. The most 
important of these are the Board of Agriculture, Board of 
Railroad Commissioners, Board of Censors to examine and 
license physicians and surgeons, Board of Health, Fish and 
Game Commissioners, Board of Dental Examiners, Board 
of Pharmacy, Directors of State Prison and House of Cor- 
rection, Supervisors of Insane, Trustees of State Hospital 
for Insane, and Normal School Examiners. 




Saxton's l^ixLT Aradriin 



The Board of Agriculture consists of the Governor and 
the president of the State University {ex-officio) and three 
others appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the 
Senate. It is their duty to work for the advancement of 
agricultural interests in the State. This they do by hold- 
ing meetings in the interests of farming and by promoting 
agricultural education in the State. 

Tlie Railroad Commissioners have a general supervision 
of all the railroads in the State. In case of accident, re- 



350 VEEMOXT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

suiting ill injury or loss of life, it is their duty to investi- 
gate the causes of such accident. It is also their duty to 
carefully examine the condition of each railroad and the 
manner in which the same is operated, and make full 
report to the General Assembly with such recommenda- 
tions as they may deem exi)edient. 

Tlie Board of Health inquire into the causes of disease, 
and make and enforce regulations in the interest of public 
health. 

The Fish Commissioners have supervision of the State 
fish hatcheries, of the propagation and protection of fish, 
and of the enforcement of the fish and game laws. 

From the duties already stated of boards and commis- 
sions, you will deduce the fact that it is the office of 
boards and commissions, in general, to investigate, exam- 
ine, devise, control, report, and in other ways promote 
the interests of the public in all matters that are under 
tlu'ir supervision. 

State Militia and Officers. — The State has an organized 
militia, which is called the Vermont National Guard. It 
consists of a regiment of twelve companies, each company 
composed of sixty officers and men. 

The officers of the companies are elected by the 
officers and enlisted men of the companies themselves. 
The officers of the regiment are chosen by the company 
officers. 

Then there are such superior officers as the surgeon- 
general ; adjutant, inspector, and quartermaster-general; 
and judge-advocate geiieral. These officers, with the 
exception of the surgeon-general (appointed by the Gov- 
ernor), are elected by the General Assembly. 



CIVIL GOVEENMEl^T 351 

JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT 

Supreme Court. — The judiciul department of the State 
consists of the Supreme Court of the State. This hranch 
will be considered iindcr the subject of " Courts." 

SUPPORT OF GOVERISTMEISTT — POLITICAL PARTIES AND 
THEIR MEETINGS— SOME ELECTIONS 

Taxation. — It takes a great deal of money to run a 
government. Public officers must be paid for their serv- 
ces ; and courts and public institutions must be sus- 
tained. There are public buildings to be erected, roads 
to be made, and many other things that require money. 
As the government is for the benefit of the people, the 
people must pay the cost ; and the State raises the money 
by taxation. By law it lays a tax on the taxable polls and 
property of the State. County taxes, above a certain per 
cent, are also fixed by the State in General Assembly. 

To help meet the State expenses, the State also lays a 
tax upon certain corporations. The amount of this tax is 
governed usually by the amount of income. All corpora- 
tions, except those organized for religious or charitable 
purposes, are required to pay an annual license. These 
taxes are paid directly by the corporations to the State. 

Other taxes are paid to the State from the several town 
treasuries on the order of the selectmen, being collected 
by the town officers as a part of the town tax. 

Political Parties ; Political Meetings. — The govern- 
ment of the State is conducted by officials chosen by par- 
ties ; and most of the citizens of the State act with either 
the Eepublican or the Democratic party. 

A meeting of the members of a party in a town or a 
24 



353 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

city ward to transact business for the jiarty is called a 
caucus ; lience such a meeting is spoken of as a town 
caucus or a ward caucus. 

A meeting of a party in a county, congressional dis- 
trict, State, or nation is called a convention ; hence they 




Goodrich Memorial Library, Newport. 



are spoken of as county, district, State, and national con- 
ventions. 

The smaller parties of a county sometimes hold mass- 
meetings to which all the voters of the party are invited ; 
and all who come are entitled to vote. The larger parties 
usually hold delegate conventions ; the number of dele- 
gates sent from each town is proportioned according to the 
number of votes cast by the party in that town. 



CIVIL GOVEENMENT 353 

The district and State conventions are delegate conven- 
tions. The district convention is composed of delegates 
from the towns of a district ; and the State convention of 
delegates from the towns of the State. 

The national convention is composed of delegates from 
the States. Each State is entitled to send two delegates for 
each senator and representative she sends to Congress. As 
Vermont sends two senators and two representatives to 
that body she is, therefore, entitled to send eight delegates 
to the national convention. 

Duties of Caucuses. — Caucuses elect delegates to send 
to conventions. They also nominate the choice of their 
party for town representative and justices of the peace, 
and choose town committees to act in the interest of their 
party. 

Duties of Conventions, — The county conventions nomi- 
nate county officers for their party, and choose a county 
committee. The conventions of the congressional districts 
nominate the choice of their jDarty for Representatives to 
Congress and for presidential electors. They elect their 
proportion of delegates to the national convention, and 
choose a district committee to act for their party. 

State conventions elect delegates to the national con- 
vention, nominate such State o{!icers as may be voted for 
in freemen's meetings, and choose a State committee. 

The national convention nominates a President and a 
Vice-President, chooses a national committee, and declares 
the platform of its party. 

Freemen's Meetings. — For the election of representa- 
tives to Congress; State, county, and probate officers ; and 
town representatives to the State Legislature, freemen's 
meetings are held in the towns every two years. These 



354 VEEMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

are held on the first Tuesday in September of each year 
whose number is divisible by two. 

Once in four years a freemen's meeting is held to choose 
presidential electors (those who shall cast the vote of the 
State for President and Vice-President). This meeting is 
held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November 
of those vears whose number is divisible bv four. 




Norman Williams Library, Woodstock 



Freemen's meetings are, in reality, town meetings ; but, 
as their purpose is largely for the election of State and 
county officers, it seems fitting that this subject should 
have a place nnder the head of " State Government." 
Freemen's meetings are, as a matter of fact, political meet- 
ings ; and the March meetings are business meetings. 

The Election of Governor. — We have said that the State 
convention, among its other duties, nominates such State 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT 355 

oflEicers as may be voted for in freemen's meetings. The 
Governor, Lieut. -Governor, and others are so nominated. 

The State committee, who have been chosen at a pre- 
vious convention, call a State convention. The towns 
hold caucuses to elect delegates to send to this convention. 
The State convention meets and nominates, among other 
State officers, a candidate for Governor. Each of the po- 
litical parties separately nominates a candidate for Gov- 
ernor ; and in the September meeting of the freemen the 
several candidates are voted for. The candidate who has 
a majority of all the votes cast for Governor is elected. In 
case no candidate receives such majority, the election is 
left to the General Assembly. 

Election of United States Senators. — Any one who so 
desires may announce himself a candidate for the United 
States senatorship. The different candidates are voted for 
in both branches of the Legislature, and that person who 
receives a majority of all the votes cast in each House 
is elected. If no candidate receives a majority in both 
Houses, the two Houses then meet in joint assembly and 
elect by a majority vote. 

Our part in the Nomination and Election of President. 
— Once in four years the State committee of a party calls 
a convention to elect delegates for a national convention, 
each State being entitled to elect four for that purpose. 
Each congressional district is also entitled to send two dele- 
gates to the national convention, and they too call con- 
ventions. The towns then call caucuses to elect delegates 
to these conventions. The conventions are held and elect 
their delegates, who appear at the national convention. 
The national convention then nominates a candidate for 
President of the United States and also one for Vice- 



356 VEEMONT FOE rOUNG VEEMONTEES 

President. lu some such way each political party nomi- 
nates its candidates. According to apportionment, Ver- 
mont sends eight delegates to a national convention. 

We are entitled to cast as many votes for President as 
we have senators and representatives in Congress, and now 
conventions and cancuses are again called (if not otherwise 
provided), each State convention nominating two electors 
and each district convention one. Freemen's meetings are 
then held in each town in November to choose electors. 

On the second Monday of the following January the 
four electors meet at the State Capitol and vote for Presi- 
dent. They make three records of the vote, one of which 
they send by mail to the president of the Senate at Wash- 
ington ; another they send sealed by special messenger to 
the same officer; and the third. they deposit with the 
United States Judge of the district in which the meeting 
is held. 

Here the responsibility of the State ends. The United 
States Senate and House now meet in joint Assembly, and 
the votes from all the States are counted ; and the candi- 
date having a majority of the electoral votes is elected 
President. If no one has a majority, then tlie candidates 
(not exceeding three) having the highest number of votes 
are balloted upon in the House of Eeprescntatives, it now 
being left with that body to elect the President. 

OTHER GOVERNMENTS 

Now the National and the State governments are by no 
means the only governments under which we live. There 
are in addition the county and the town, or city ; and some 
of us live under a village government perhaps. All these 



CIVIL GOVEENMENT 



357 



different governments must get along without interfering 
witli one anotlier, the lesser governments being subject to 
the greater and having power to make only such laws as 
the State and nation permit. 




aiuel's Hump, as seen from Moiitpii 



COUNTY 

County Government. — The State is divided into coun- 
ties, chiefly for convenience in holding courts, maintaining 
jails and court-houses, and preventing and punishing 
crimes. In many States each county has some sort of 
county board who make laws for the county ; but the 
counties of Vermont have no such board, the Legislature 



358 VEEMONT FOE YOUXG VEEMOXTEES 

of the State acting as a lawmaking body for all the conn- 
ties. The county has no President or Governor ; but it 
has an executive department in that it has certain officers 
whose duty it is to see that the laws are carried out. Each 
county has a county-seat, or shire town, where the county 
court is held and where the jail and the court-house are 
located. Bennington County has two half-shire towns. 
The judicial department of the county will be considered 
under the head of ••Courts." 

County Officers. — The chief county officers are the 
sheriff, high bailiff, judges of probate^ assistant judges, 
clerk, auditor, treasurer. State's attorney, examiner of 
teachers, and justices of the peace. 

How the Officers are chosen. — The clerk, auditor, and 
treasurer are apjiointed by the county court. The clerk 
serves during the pleasure of the court ; the term of office 
of the auditor and the treasurer is two years. The other 
county officers are elected biennially at the freemen's meet- 
ing and a plurality vote is required to elect. 

Sheriff; High Bailiff. — It is the duty of the sheriff to 
serve writs and other processes ; and, with the deputies 
which he appoints, preserve the peace and arrest persons 
charged with crime and confine them until they have a 
trial. They attend county court, and, during its sessions, 
have the custody of the prisoners, witnesses, and jury ; 
and, at the end of the trial, execute the sentence of the 
court. The sheriff has charge of the county jail, under 
the general direction of the assistant judges. 

When, for any reason, the sheriff is disqualified to per- 
form his duties, the high bailiff acts in his stead ; and 
may, for sufficient cause, imprison the sheriff, performing 
his duties during the time of imprisonment. 



CIVIL GOVEENMENT 



359 



Judges. — The judges of probate and the assistant judges 
belong properly to the judicial department. 

In addition to their judicial duties, the assistant judges 
have the care of the county property, and may buy or 
lease lands for the county, and may sell lands belonging to 




Lake Duniiiore. 



it. They examine certain claims against the county, and 
may authorize a tax to pay county expenses. 

Clerk; Treasurer; Auditor.— The clerk, the treasurer, 
and the auditor perform such duties for the county as the 
corresponding State officers do for the State. One of the 
chief duties of the county clerk is to make records of the 
proceedings of the county and chancery courts held in his 



360 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

county, as well as a record of the proceedings of the 
supreme court of the State in cases arising in his county. 

The treasurer cares for the funds of the county, paying 
them out only on the order of the county clerk. 

The county auditor examines and approves the accounts 
of the treasurer and reports to the county judges. 

States's Attorney. — Each county has an attorney whose 
duty it is to prosecute in behalf of the State all ^lersons 
charged with the commission of crime or of offense against 
the law, in his county ; and to conduct such cases before 
the courts. He also prepares bills of indictment and takes 
measures to collect fines, costs, and the like, that are due 
to the county and State. 

Examiner of Teachers. — Each county has an examiner 
of teachers, who is appointed biennially by the Governor 
and the State superintendent of education. He conducts 
the teachers' examinations of his county, helps the State 
superintendent in the holding of institutes and summer 
schools, and makes to the State superintendent a biennial 
report of the condition of schools in his county. While 
in actual service he receives 14 per day, with a daily 
allowance (not exceeding $2) for expenses. 

Taxes. — To meet the expenses of the county, a county 
tax of one per cent may be levied by the assistant judges ; 
but, when a tax of more than one per cent is required 
the General Assembly fixes the amount. These taxes are 
collected by the towns with the town and State tax, and 
paid to the county treasurer on the order of the selectmen 
of the towns. 

THE TOWN 

The Town a Government. — The counties are divided 
into towns. The town is a government in that it \otes 



CIVIL GOVEKNMENT 



361 



taxes, elects officers, enforces authority, and performs other 
duties of a government. 

Town Officers. — The chief town officers are the 
moderator, clerk, treasurer, auditors, selectmen, constable, 
tax collector, listers, road commissioners, school directors, 
superintendent of schools, and overseer of poor. 

The Moderator. — The moderator presides over town 
meetino's. 




New iron bridge at Brattleboro. 



Town Clerk. — The town clerk makes a record of all 
business done in town meeting ; records deeds, mortgages, 
and other instruments respecting real estate ; and records 
also the deaths, births, and marriages occurring in the town. 
Women are eligible to this office. 

Treasurer. — The treasurer is under obligation to receive 
and keep safely all the moneys of the town. On the order 
of the selectmen, or other authorized officers, he pays 



363 VEEMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMONTEES 

claims against the town. He keeps account of all moneys 
received and paid out by him and makes an annual report to 
the town. 

Auditors. — It is the duty of the town auditors (three 
in number) to examine and adjust the accounts of the town 
officers. 

The Selectmen, — The selectmen (from three to five in 
number) have the general supervision of the affairs of the 
town — they are the town fathers. They call town meetings, 
and decide what articles shall be put in the warning. They 
assess certain taxes required by law — as the State school 
tax, road tax, county and State taxes, whenever the money 
for these purjioses is not raised by the vote of the town. 
They have the care of the school lands of the town, and di- 
vide the school money. They audit and allow claims against 
the town and draw orders upon the treasurer -for jDay- 
ment. They keep a record of all accounts allowed by them 
and all orders drawn. If a vacancy occurs in any town of- 
fice, they may fill such vacancy until an election can be held. 

Constable. — It is the duty of the constable to preserve 
the jieace ; to serve warrants and writs ; to collect taxes, 
when no other provision for their collection is made ; and 
to warn freemen's meetiugs and preside over them. 

School Directors. — The school directors of a town are 
usually three in number. They hire and dismiss teachers, 
elect the town superintendent of schools and with him 
select school text-books for the town, furnish supplies for 
the schools, and have the entire care of the school property. 

Town Superintendent of Schools, — The town superin- 
tendent of schools has the direct supervision of all the 
schools of his town. He may make recommendations to 
the school directors concerning the needs of the schools 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT 



363 



under his care, dismiss incompetent teachers, and must re- 
port annnally to the town the result of his labors and the 
condition and needs of the scliool under his charge. Women 
are eligible to this office. 

Town Meeting. — All the voters in a town can come to- 
gether without much difficulty to decide matters ; and so. 




Lamoille River, near Milton. 



on the first Tuesday in March of each year, they assemble 
in town meeting. At least twelve days before the time for 
said meeting, the selectmen must post a warning in three 
public places in town announcing the business to be done, 
No government can be more democratic than that of the 
town ; it is preeminently " a government of the people, by 
the people, and for the people." In March meeting the 



364 VERMONT FOR YOUXG VERMONTERS 

voters in a body determine all town questions by a majority 
vote. Here they elect town oflficers, vote taxes, and decide 
how much money shall be used for town purposes, take 
action in regard to the building or repairing of bridges or 
schoolhouses, and provide for other town necessities as the 



WARNING for ANNUAL TOWN MEETING. 



The legal voters pf the town of Ferrisburgh arc hereby warned to meet at the Town 
House in said town on Tuesday, the 1st day of March next, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, 
for the following purposes, to wit: 

1. To elect a Moderator to preside over said meeting. 

2. To elect a Town Qerk for the ensuing year, 

3. To receive and act on reports submitted, 

4. To elect Town Officers, County Grand Jurors and Petit Jurors, as by law required. 

5. To vote a tax to defray the expenses of the town- 

6. To sec if the town will vote to pay the taxes to the Town Treasurer, as heretofore. 

7. To see if the town will vote a sum of money for Decoration Day. 

8. To vote upon the question "Shall Licenses be Granted for the Sale of Intoxicating 
Liquors in this Town ?" 

9. *T o sec if the town will vote to pay to GDbum O. Martin the sum of $3.60 on an 
error in the grand list. 

10. To transact any other business that may properly come before said meeiing. 
ORVILLE C FIELD, ] 
AMOS P. NEEDHAM, \ Selectmen. 
E C PALMER, i 

Ferriaburg, Vt, February 8, J904. 



Poster announcino; town meetins;. 



needs present themselves, and do other business for the 
welfare and convenience of the jieople. 

On tlie application of six voters special meetings shall 
be called. In addition to the ]\[arch meetings, the town 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT 365 

has also freemen's meetings, which have already been con- 
sidered under the subject of " State Government." 

Warnings to Freemen's Meetings.— Not less than twelve 
nor more than twenty days before the time for the Septem- 
ber freemen's meeting, there must be posted, in at least 
three public places, a notice warning the freemen of this 
meeting. Not less than six nor more than fifteen days be- 
fore the time of the November meeting, a similar warning 
must be jjosted. It is the duty of the constable or, in his 
absence, the town clerk or, in the absence of both, a select- 
man to post these Avarnings. 

Voters in Town Meeting; Freemen. — The Constitution 
declares that all persons born in the United States and 
those who have been naturalized, as provided by Congress, 
are citizens of the State, while residing within the State. 
All male citizens twenty-one years of age, whose lists were 
taken in any town at the annual assessment next preceding 
a town meeting, have a right to vote in town meeting, as 
have also tliose who are exempt from taxes for any cause. 
Women having a required amount of property may vote 
on matters pertaining to schools and for school officers. 
They are eligible also to offices relating to school affairs 
unless otherwise provided. 

In order to vote in freemen's meeting a man must be 
twenty-one years or more of age, of peaceable behavior, 
must have resided in the State one year next preceding a 
freemen's meeting, and have taken the freemen's oath. 
That is, he may vote for all officers elected in freemen's 
meetings excej)t representatives to the General Assembly 
and justices of peace. In order to vote for these he must 
have resided in the town in which he has his residence 
three months next preceding election day. 



366 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

Voting and Voting-Places. — We have said that in Sep- 
tember of each year whose number is divisible by two a 
freemen's meeting is held in each town for the election of 
State and county officers. Thirty days, at least, before 
such meeting the selectmen are required to post in at 
least two public places a list of all persons who are quali- 
fied to vote in said meeting. This is called a check-list 
and may be revised from time to time jjrior to election by 
the board of civil authority. 

On the first Tuesday in September the voters present 
themselves at freemen's meeting. A convenient number 
of voting-booths have been jirovided in Avhich voters may 
prepare their ballots unobserved by others. Six feet from 
the ballot-boxes is placed a guard-rail inside of which no 
one but the election officers and the freemen as they pass 
in to vote are allowed during the voting. Eour ballot 
clerks are stationed at each polling-place, who, in plain 
view of the jiublic, deliver ballots to the freemen as they 
go in to vote and check their names upon the check-list. 

The ballots used at State and county elections are pre- 
pared by the county clerk, at the exjiense of the county; 
those used in voting for town representatives and justices 
of the peace must be prepared by the towns and at their 
expense. 

Appearing at the polling-place the voter gives his name 
and residence, if demanded, to the polling-clerk. If his 
name is found on the check-list, he is given an official 
ballot, his name is checked upon the check-list, and he is 
allowed to pass in and vote. Inside one of the booths he 
prepares his ballot by making a cross opposite the name of 
the candidate for whom he wishes to vote. In case he 
wishes to vote for the entire list of candidates whose names 



To fote (or a person, mark a cross [X] at the riglit, In the margin 
opposite to his name. It it Is desired to vote tor the whole 
list of candidates in this column then marii a cross [X] in the 
square at the head of this column, only. 



REPUBLICAN PARTY. 



n 



JOHN C McCULLOUCH.otBcnnirglon.Vl ,— RtPUBLlCAN 



ZED S. STANTON, of Ro«bury. Vt REPUBLICAN 



To vote for a person, marli a cross [X] at the right In thMnrf I 
opposite to his name. If it is desired to vote for the A 
list of candidates in this column then mark a cross [X] in ti 
square at the head of this column, only. ] 



DEMOCRATIC PARTY. 



FELIX W. Mc&ETTRICK.otSt.Albans Cily.Vt, DEMOCRATIC 



ELISHA MAY, of SI. JohDsbtiry. Vt., DEMOCRATIC 



JOHN L BACON, of H»nforH, VI.. REPUBLICAN 



DON C. POLLARD, of Cavendish, Vl., DEMOCRATIC 



FREDERICK G.FLEETWOOD, of Moiristown, Vl., BijjlUcal 



JAMES M. BURKE, of Middlebury, Vt., DEMOCRATIC 



HORACE F. GRAHAM, of Craftsbary, Vt, REPUBLICAN 



JAMES E. BYRNE, ol Rockingham. Vt., DEMOCRATIC 



KITTREDGE HASKINS, of BratUeboro. Vt..— REPUBLICAN 



HARRIS MILLER, of Fairies, Vt,, DEMOCRATIC 



N D PHELPS, of Birra,Vt.. 



-REPUBLICAN 



W. B. MAVO, of Northlield. Vt.. 



-DEMOCRATIC 



R F. DRENAN. of Woodbury, Vt, REPUBLICXS 



GEORGE F. SIBLEY,, of East Mont^eliei, V|.,-DE.M0CRAT1C 



A. D BRAGG, of Faysloo, Vt,- 



-REPUBLICAN 



D. M. MILES, of Barfc City, Vt.,. 



• DEMOCRATIC 



EBER W HUNTLEY, of Duabury,Vt., REPUBLICAN 



S. J. DANA, of Faystoo, Vt.,- 



-DEMOCRATIC I 



O H. LEONARD, of Calais, Vt,- 



- RE PUBLICAN 



MAI^LON S. HATHAWAY, of Calais. Vt., DEMOCRATIC] 



i OF PROSATB— DUtdct of VMtalogtot 



HIRAM CARLETON, of Montpelier, Vt . REPUBLICAN 



HIRAM CARLETON. of Montpelier, Vt., DEMOCRATIC 



FRED B. THOMAS, of Montpelier. Vt., REPUBLICAN 



FRANK A. BAILEY, of Montpelier. Vl., DEMOCRATIC I 



CHARLES C. GRAVES, of Wilerbury. Vt., REPUBLICAN 



G. B. EVANS, of Waterbury. Vl., DEMOCRATIC i 



BOWMAN B. martin; of Marshfield. VI.,_REPUBLICAN 



D A CA.MP, of Barre Town, Vt., DEMOCRATIC I 



CHARLES D. EDCERTON. of Noithfield, Vt. REPUBLIC \N 



L B. BROOKS, of Montpelier. Vt , DEMOCRATIC 



Facsimile (reduced) of jIi 



nte for a person, mark a cross [X] at the riglit, In the margin 
opposite to his name. It it is desired to vote for the whole 
list of candidates in this column then marit a cross [X] in the 
square at the head of this column, only. 


To volt for a person, mark i cross [X] at the right, in the margin 
opposite to his name. If it Is desired to vole for the whole 
list of candidates In this column then mark a cross [XJ in the 
square at the head of this column, only. 


PROHIBITION PARTY. 


LICENSE LOCAL-OPTION PARTY 








toovernor. vote fob one 


For G0VER.SOR. VOTE FoB ONE 


3EL0. SHERBURNE, of St. Johnsbury. Vl-.-rROHIBlTIQN 


PERCIVALW.CLEMtNT, ( ,. , , „ .. j 
ofCityofRntland.Vt.. J License Local-Oplion | 




1 


r LIEUT. OOVERNOR. VOTE FOB ONE 


For LIEUT GOVERNOR VOTE FOR O.VE 


OELE L. BALL, ot Femsburg, Vl., PROHIBITION 


FRANK W. AGAN, of Ludlow. VL. • License Local-Optioi 


1 1 






1 1 


r STATE TBEASUBER. VOTE FOR ONE 


For STATE TREASURER. VOTE FOB ONE 


UCENE M. CAMPBELL, ot LyndOD, VL,— PROHIBITION 




JOHN L. BACON, of Hartford, VL. License Local-Option 1 






1 


SECHETARr OF STATE. VOTE FOR ONE | 


~FREUERfCK~G'~FLEETw60b7~( V ',' ",^ 1 ' 
of Morristown. VL. \ ^'""" LocM-Option | 


LARENCE B. WILSON, of Bradford. VI,. — PROHIBITION 






, 


1 


AUDITOR OF ACCOUNTS. VOTE FOR ONE | 


For AUDITOR OF ACCOUNTS. VOTE FOR ONE 


DMUND H. FIELD, of Ch.rlolK, Vl.. PROHIBITION 




HORACE F. GRAHAM.ofCratlsbury.Vt. -License Local-Option 


1 1 








1 1 


REPRESENTATIVE K) CONOEESS-SkooiI Di.lrict. VOTE FOR 


- 


For dErRESENTATIVB TO CONGRESS -Secoo.J ni.lnoi VOTE FOB 


ONE g 


1ERBURNE L. SWASEY,of Newbury, VL,— PROHIBITION 




1 1 






1 


SENAIORS. VOIE FOE TH 


BEE 




-PHA W. DAVIS, of Waletbury. Vt., PROHIBITION 




^^^^o^^^:l License LocaLOption 




LRLOS S. RICHMOND, of Nortbfield, Vl,-PR0HIBITI0N 




N. D. PHELPS.of City of Barre. VL. License Local-Option 




\RRISON C. CUTTING, of PUiofield, Vt,— PROH I BITION 




W. B. MAYO, of Northfield, VL, License Local-Option 
























. 




ASSISTANT JUDGES OF COUNTY COURT. VOTE FOR TWO | 


For ASSISTANT JUDGES OF COUNTT COURT VOTE FOE TWO ■ 


MIS PIKE,of Cabot, VL, PROHIBITION 




S J. DANA, of Fay5ton,VL, Uceose Local-Option 




JWARD C. WELLS, otMont[»licr,Vt.. PROHIBITION 




MAHLON S. HATHAWAY,of Calais, VL,- License LocalOption 


















JUDGE OF PROEATE-Dl.lrtct of IVublii(loi>. VOTE FOE ONE ( 


For JUDGE OF PBOBATB-DUtrtct WuliloKtan VOTE FOB 


~~ 


JTHUR LANE, of Plainfield, VL, PROHIBITION 




HIRAM CiRLETON. of Montpelier. VL.-License LoMl-Oplion 










ONE 


For STATE'S ATTORNEY. TOTE FOR 




ED B. THOMAS, of Monlpeliet. Vt.. —PROHIBITION 




FRANK A. BAILEY, of Montpelier, Vt., License Local-Option 












SHERIFF. VOTE FOR 


JNE 


For SHERIFF. VOTE FOB 




ED L. PACE, of City of Bane. Vt., PROHIBITION 




C. B. EVANS, of Waterbury, Vt.. License Local-Oplion 












BiGU bahjff vote for 


3NB 


For BIGH BAILIFF. VOTE FOB 


ONE 


E. COLBY, of Berlin, VL, PROHIBITION 




A. D. CAMP; of Town of Barre, VL. License Local-Option 










COUNTT COMMBSIONEa VOTE FOR ONE ■ 


For COUNTY COMMISSIOVEE. VOTE FOB 


ONE 


ARLES D EDGERTON, of Northfield.VL. PROHIBITION | | 


L. B. BROOKS, of Montpelier, Vt , License Local-Option 




1 


1 




I 




1 



3t for a State election. 



CIVIL GOVEENMENT 



367 



appear in a column, he places a cross in the little square at 
the head of the column. If for any reason the voter is 
unable to make the cross, he may call upon one of the 
two assisting clerks (selected, one from each of the two 
leading political parties) to do this for him. Each voter 
folds his own ballot, and the presiding officer de2)osits it 
in the ballot-box. 




Memorial Building, Stowe. 



At the closing of the polls the board of civil authority 
(selectmen, justices of the peace, and town clerk), assisted 
by the deputy clerks, and the ballot-clerks, count the votes. 

Town Taxes. — By vote the legal voters in town-meeting 
lay taxes on the taxable polls and property of the town. 
Taxes when not provided for in this way are assessed by 
the selectmen as the law directs. 
25 



368 VEEMOXT FOR YOU^^G VERMONTERS 

Each town has listers (varying in number from tliree to 
five) who make up tlie grand list of the town as a basis of 
taxation. By tlie grand list we mean the sum of the prop- 
erty list and the poll list of a town, the property list being 
one per cent of the appraised valuation of all taxable prop- 
erty, and the poll list $2 for every man (not specially ex- 
empt) over twenty-one and under seventy years of age- 
Example : The appraised valuation of all the taxable pro- 
perty of the town of Northfield for one year was 11,124,. 
571 ; the number of taxable polls was 680 and the poll tax 
($2 a head) 11,360. Hence $11,245. 71 (one per cent of the 
appraised valuation of the property) plus 11,360, or $12,- 
605.71 was the grand list of that year. 

The taxes are either paid directly to the town treasurer 
or are collected by a town tax collector and paid into the 
town treasur3\ 

A City Government.— The city has practically the same 
duties and powers as a town ; but conducts its local affairs 
in a different way, according to a special charter granted it 
by the State Legislature. As a city has usually a large 
number of people to govern, it is for convenience ordi- 
narily divided into small districts called wards. 

The chief executive is the mayor. He is the city's 
governor, and it is his duty to see that the laws are 
obeyed. 

Each ward elects an alderman, and these acting to- 
gether constitute the legislative department of the city. 
The mayor and the aldermen together are called the city 
council. The council appoint certain officers, assess taxes, 
and make laws called ordinances for the city. 

The city treasurer, clerk, auditors, and other officers 
perform such duties for the city as similar officers do for 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT 369 

tlie towns and other governments. Each city may elect a 
representative to the General Assembly. 

A Village Government. — The chief purposes for which 
villages are incorporated are the care of sidewalks, lighting 
of streets, laying out and caring for parks, construct- 
ing waterworks aad sewers, maintaining of police forces, 
and so on. Village meetings are called in which officers are 
elected, and taxes are assessed. The village government has 
its clerk, treasurer, and other officers. Its chief executive 
officers are its trustees, or bailiffs, whose duties for the 
village are similar to those of the selectmen for the town. 
They also make such laws for the village as they think 
proper, and are the lawmaking body of the village govern- 
ment. Vermont has at present forty-three incorporated 
villages. There are also some school districts incorporated 
by special act of the Legislature ; but most schools now 
come wholly under the town system, which has been ex- 
plained elsewhere. 

COURTS 

What a Court is. — The judicial department of any gov- 
ernment consists of its courts. We have said that our gov- 
ernment has a set of men, called justices or judges, who 
decide what the law is and how it is to be applied. When 
they meet for this purpose they are said to hold court. There 
is also another set of men called the jury, who in jury trials 
decide on the facts in dispute ; and these, together with 
the judges, form also a court. 

Judges. — The judges of the different courts are elected 
biennially. The judges of the supreme court are seven in 
number, and are chosen by the General Assembly. All 
others are elected in freemen's meetings, — the assistant 



370 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

judges of the county court by the freemen of the county, 
the judges of probate by the freeman of the probate dis- 
tricts, and the justices of the peace by the freemen of the 
respective towns. 

The salary of the judges of the supreme court is fixed 
by law ; at present it is $3,000 a year, with an additional 
sum for expenses when away from home on judicial busi- 
ness. 

Juries. — A grand jury of a county consists of eighteen 
men. It is called once a year, but may be called twice if 
deemed necessary. When a person is accused of crime the 
grand jurors examine the charge against him to see whether, 
in their opinion, the accused ought to be brought to trial. 
If two-thirds of the jurors believe him to be guilty, he is 
indicted and in due time brought to trial. 

The grand jury also makes inquiries to learn whether 
or not the towns of the county have been faithful in ob- 
serving certain laws. 

About tliirty petit jurymen are chosen in each county. 
Twelve of these are selected and sworn for each case tried 
by jury in county court and these are called a panel. It is 
their duty to determine what the facts are in such criminal 
and civil cases as are presented to them for trial. The una- 
nimous vote of a jury is necessary for a verdict. 

Both the grand and petit jurymen are chosen by the 
towns in March meetings, the board of civil authority 
making nominations therefor. The names of the persons 
so elected are forwarded to the county clerk and placed in 
boxes. The county judges prescribe the number of jury- 
men to be drawn from the several towns in the county, and 
deliver to the sherifE of the county an order accordingly. 
Without looking into the box, the sheriff draws from it the 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT 



371 



number of names required ; unci the joersons so drawn con- 
stitute the jury. 

A Jury Trial. — If a citizen is accused of breaking the 
hiw, he is liable to be put in prison or otherwise punished 
as the law may direct ; but he cannot be punished as a 
criminal unless he has been duly tried in a court of justice 
and found guilty. 



^ 


l|u^||g»^igi«gi^gjjlljjiii^^^^^— ^ 


— TTTTinrmirm 






m 



Missisquoi River, near Swanton. 



That we may see how such a trial is conducted, let us 
suppose that some one has been guilty of crime and that 
we are following the successive steps to his conviction. 

Complaint is made to a justice of the peace that a theft 
has been committed. The justice then issues a warrant 
authorizing the sheriff to arrest the person charged with the 
crime. The sheriff makes the arrest and brings the accused 
before the justice, who has a hearing and examines wit- 



372 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

nesses. The justice thinks there are sufficient grounds and 
he orders the accused to be committed to jail until the case 
can be examined by the grand jury. If the accused finds 
no one who is willing to furnish bail for him, he is kept in 
jail until the grand jury meets. 

The State's attorney now investigates, and becomes con- 
vinced that the accused is guilty. Wlien the grand jury 
meets, he goes before it with witnesses who are questioned 
by him about the crime. After hearing the testimony the 
jury considers the accused guilty and votes that he be 
tried on charge of larceny. The charge alleging the crime 
is written out on a piece of paper and duly signed. This 
paper is called an indictment, and the accused is said to be 
indicted for larceny. 

In course of time he is tried in county court. The 
court is presided over by a judge of the supreme court and 
two assistant judges. Near by sits a jury of twelve men 
who have taken their oath to decide the case according to 
the law and evidence. Here, too, is the Clerk of Court to 
record proceedings, and a stenographer to take down tes- 
timony ; and, in a space reserved for that purpose, sit the 
lawyers. One or more of these have been employed by the 
accused to manage his case ; and one is the prosecuting at- 
torney, who is the State's attorney for the county in which 
this trial takes place. 

When all is ready the indictment is read to the accused, 
and he is asked whether or not he is guilty. He pleads in- 
nocence. During the trial he sits by his attorney. The 
State's attorney addresses the court, detailing the crime and 
telling what he expects to prove concerning the prisoner. 
He now calls his witnesses and all the testimony against the 
accused is taken. When he has no more witnesses to bring 



CIVIL GOVEENMEXT 373 

forth, he rests his case ; and the prisoner's attorney calls 
what witnesses he has for the defense. 

After all the testimony has been taken, the attorneys 
make jileas (not exceeding two on each side), one arguing 
tliat the evidence shows that the accused is guilty of lar- 
ceny, and the other contending that the testimony against 
the accused is not sufficient to prove that he is guilty. The 
judge then addresses the jury explaining just what must 
be proved in order to find the prisoner guilty. The jury 
(whose duty it is to decide the facts in the case) now with- 
draws 'and agrees on a verdict ; and, as the verdict is 
'■^guilty/' the prisoner is said to be convicted. Then the 
judge states the penalty of the crime and the trial is over. 

If the jjrisoner thinks that there has been a mistake on 
some question of law, he may a])peal to the supreme court ; 
and if the judges of that court discover error in the lower 
court, they may order tluit the case be tried over again. 

Criminal trials differ, of course, in some details from 
the one above sketched ; but they are alike in many im- 
portant points. In order that a prisoner be convicted the 
jury must agree — that is, every one of the twelve jurymen 
must vote "guilty." 

Civil Trials. — Such a case as has been described is a 
criminal case ; that is, a case in which a criminal law has 
been broken. A case in which no crime has been com- 
mitted but in which two men have a disagreement over the 
ownership of land, money, or other personal effects, is 
called a civil case. The person who ap2)eals to the court 
is the plaintiff, and the other the defendant. Each of the 
men has an attorney to conduct his case, and it is tried be- 
fore a jury in much the same manner as the criminal case. 

Courts. — The courts of our republic may be divided 



374 VEEMONT FOE YOU^G VEEMONTEES 

into two great classes, the Federal, or United States courts, 
and the State courts. 

Federal Courts. — The United States courts are of 
several kinds, the highest of which is the supreme court, 
which meets annually in Washington. The States of our 
Union are divided into nine circuits — New York, Con- 
necticut, and Vermont forming together one circuit. 
This is known as the second circuit. The United States 
is divided into seventy-one districts, Vermont constituting 
one district and some of the larger States being divided 
into two or three districts. New York having four. 'Terms 
of the circuit and district courts are held jointly in three 
Vermont towns annually ; in February at Burlington, in 
May at Windsor, and in October at Eutland. The laws 
of Congress under the Constitution determine what cases 
shall be heard before the Federal courts, and all others are 
triable before the State courts. 

State Courts. — The courts of Vermont are : the supreme 
court, county courts, courts of chancery, probate courts, 
municipal courts, and justice courts. 

Justice Courts; Municipal Courts. — The justice court, 
the lowest of all these courts, may be held in any town, 
and the judge in such court is called a justice of the peace. 
The cases tried before this court are usually so trifling in 
character that they are not referred to a jury, though at 
the request of either party a jury of six persons may be 
called. 

In most civil cases this court has jurisdiction when the 
sum involved does not exceed $200 ; and in criminal cases 
when the punishment is a fine not exceeding ten dollars. 
Under certain conditions the decisions of the justice court 
may be appealed to the county court. 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT 



375 



Municipal courts are the justice courts of a city. They 
have a larger jurisdiction than the town justice courts. 

Probate Courts. — Vermont is divided into twenty pro- 
bate districts^ in each of wliich is held probate court. The 




Goverument building, St. Albuns. 



376 VERMONT FOE YOUNG VERMONTEES 

eight northern counties constitute each a single probate 
district, and the six southern counties have each two 
probate districts. 

The probate court consists of a probate judge. This 
court is open at all times for the transaction of ordinary 
business, and sessions of the probate court are held as often 
as once a month. This court has the jurisdiction of will 
cases, settles the estates of deceased persons and wards, 
selects guardians for children under age and for persons 
who, for some reason, are incapable of managing their 
property, consents to the adoption of children, and does 
other business along these lines. It is also a court of 
insolvency, having, as its name indicates, the power to 
settle the estates of insolvent persons. Appeals from this 
court may be made to the county court. 

The County Court. — The county court consists of a 
chief judge, who is a judge of the supreme court, and two 
assistant judges. In the shire town of each county two 
terms of county court are held annually. The county 
court tries all civil and criminal cases except such as may 
be tried in the justice courts, and has also jurisdiction of 
all cases appealed from tlie lower court. When questions 
of law arise in the trial of cases in county court, such may 
be carried to tlie supreme court for decision. 

Court of Chancery, or Court of Equity. — We have also 
in each county a court of chancery, its sessions being held 
at the same time and in the same place as the county 
court. The chancellors of this court are the judges of the 
supreme court. It is the duty of this court to do equity 
in all cases that the law court can not reach. It has juris- 
diction of such matters as suits to foreclose mortgages, 
to enforce the performance of contracts, the granting of 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT 377 

injunctions, etc. Decisions may be appealed to the 
supreme court. 

The Supreme Court. — The supreme court is the high- 
est court of the State. It consists of one chief judge and 
six associate judges. Three general terms of supreme 
court are held each year in Montpelier in January, May, 
and October. The supreme court determines questions of 
law sent to it by the lower courts, by a bill of exceptions 
plainly stating the facts in the case and the claimed errors 
of law to which exceptions were taken at the trial ; and 
said court also has jurisdiction of such petitions not tria- 
ble by jury as are by law brought before it. 

CIVIL GOVERNMENT TEST. 

1. Of what three departments does the United States Government 

consist ? 

2. State in a general way the duties of eacii. 

3. What is the Constitution ? Congress ? the Senate ? the House of 

Representatives ? 

4. Explain how laws are made. 

5. Do you live under any other governments besides the National 

Government ? If so, what are they, and in what ways are they 
similar to the National Government ? 

6. How are the powers of these lesser governments limited ? 

7. What is the Legislature, and when and where does it meet ? 

What is the difference between the State capital and the State 
Capitol ? 

8. Wliat are the duties of the Senate ? of the House ? Of how many 

members does each body consist, and how are they elected ? 

9. How may the constitution be amended ? 

10 In what different ways are State officers chosen ? 

11. Wlio is the chief executive officer of the State ? What are some 

of his duties ? Wlio is the present incumbent ? 

12. Name some of the duties of the Secretary of State, State Treas- 

urer, Auditor of Accounts, State Superintendent of Education. 
Name present incumbents. 



378 VEKMONT FOR YOUXG VERMONTEES 

13. What can you tell of the Vermont militia and officers ? 

14. How is the State government supported ? 

15. What are the two most prominent political parties of the State ? 
16 What is a caucus, and what work is done in a caucus ? 

17. Describe the political conventions and their work. 

18. Describe the freemen's meetings of Vermont. 

19. How is the Governor of the State elected ? 

20. How do we elect our United States Senators ? Who are the pres- 

ent incumbents ? 

21. Describe our part in the election of President. 

22. Tell all you can about the government of a county and the duties 

of its officers. 

23. What are the chief town officers, and how are they elected ? 

24. What are the duties of the town clerk, the treasurer, the auditor, 

the selectmen, the constable, the school directors, the town 
superintendent of schools ? 

25. Of what does the legislative branch of the town government 

consist ? 
2G. Describe the town meeting. 

27. Who are the voters in town meeting? in freemen's meeting ? 

28. Describe the process of voting in freemen's meetings ; also the 

polling-places. 

29. How and for what purposes are taxes raised in a town ? 

30. What are the listers of a town ? What is a poll-tax, a property 

tax, the grand list of a town ? 

31. The real estate value of a certain town is $823,656; the personal 

estate for taxation, $176,131; and the number of taxable polls, 
630. What is the grand list ? Answer, $11,257.87.- 

32. Of what does the judicial department of any government consist ? 

What is a court ? 

33. What are judges ? juries ? 

34. Describe a jury trial. 

35. What is the difference between a civil and a criminal case ? 

36 Into what two great classes may the courts of our county be 
divided ? 

37. Name the Vermont State courts. 

38. What is the lowest court and what cases are tried in it ? 

39. Describe the probate courts. 

40. What cases are tried in county court ? court of cliancery ? 

41. Where and how often does the supreme court meet, and what is 

its jurisdiction ? 



THE CONSTITUTION OF VERMONT. 



PART I. 



A DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE INHABITANTS OF THE STATE 
OF VERMONT. 

Article P'. That all men are born equally free and independent, 
and have certain natural, inherent, and unalienable rights, amongst 
which are the enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, pos- 
sessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness 
and safety ; therefore no male person born in tliis country, or brought 
from over sea, ought to be holden by law to serve any person as a 
servant, slave, or apprentice after he arrives to the age of twenty- 
one years, nor female in like manner after she arrives to the age of 
eighteen years, unless they are bound by their own consent, after they 
arrive to such age, or bound by law for the payment of debts, dam- 
ages, fines, costs, or the like. 

Article 2'"*. That private property ought to be subservient to 
public uses when necessity requires it ; nevertheless, whenever any 
person's property is taken for the use of the public, the owner ought 
to receive an equivalent in money. 

Article 3''''. That all men have a natural and unalienable right 
to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own con- 
sciences and understandings, as in their opmion shall be regulated by 
the word of God ; and that no man ought to, or of right can be com- 
pelled to, attend any religious worship, or erect or support any place 
of worship, or maintain any minister, contrary to the dictates of his 
conscience, nor can any man be justly deprived or abridged of any 
civil riglit as a citizen, on account of liis religious sentiments, or pe- 
culia[r] mode of religious worship ; and that no authority can, or 
ought to be vested in, or assumed by, any power whatever, that shall 
in any case interfere witli, or in any manner control the rights of con- 
science in the free exercise of religious worsliip. Nevertheless, every 

379 



380 VEEMONT FOR YOUNG VERMOXTERS 

sect or denomination of Cliristiiins ouglit to observe the Sabbath or 
Lord's da}', and keep up some sort of religious worship which to thera 
shall seem most agreeable to the revealed will of God. 

Article 4"'. Every person within this State ought to find a cer- 
tain remedy, by having recourse to the laws, for all injuries or wrongs 
which he may receive in his person, property or character ; he ought 
to obtain right and justice, freely, and without being obliged to 
purchase it ; completely and without any denial ; promptly and with- 
out delay ; conformably to the laws. 

Article 5^^. That the people of this State by their legal repre- 
sentatives have the sole, inherent, and exclusive right of governing 
and regulating the internal police of the same. 

Article G"». That all power being originally inherent in and 
co[n]sequeutly derived from the people, therefore, all officers of gov- 
ernment, whether legislative or executive, are their trustees and serv- 
ants ; and at all times, in a legal way, accountable to them. 

Article 7'"^. That government is, or ought to be, instituted for 
the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or 
community, and not for the particular emolument or advantage of any 
single man, family or set of men who are a part only of that com- 
munity ; and that the community hath an indubitable, unalienable, 
and indefeasible right to reform or alter government in such manner 
as shall be, by that community, judged most conducive to the public 
weal. 

Article 8"". That all elections ought to be free and without cor- 
ruption, and that all freemen, having a sufficient, evident, common 
interest with and attachment to the community, have a right to elect 
officers, and be elected into office, agreeably to the regulations made 
in this constitution. 

Article O"". That every member of society hath a right to be 
protected in the enjoyment of life, liberty, and property, and there- 
fore is bound to contribute his proportion toward the expense of that 
protection, and yield his personal service, when necessary, or an 
equivalent thereto, but no part of any person's property can be justly 
taken from him, or applied to public uses, without his own consent, 
or that of the Representative Body of the freemen, nor can any man 
who is conscientiously scrupulous of bearing arms be justly com- 
pelled thereto, if he will pay such equivalent ; nor are the people 
bound by any law but such as they have in like manner assented to 
for their common good : and previous to any law being made to raise 
a tax, the purpose for wliich it is to be raised ought to appear evident 



THE CONSTITUTION OF VERMONT 381 

to the Legislature to lie of more service to community tlian tljc money 
would be if not collected. 

Article 10"". That in all prosecutions for criminal offenses a 
person hath a right to he heard by himself and his counsel ; to demand 
the cause and nature of his accusation ; to be confronted with tiie wit- 
nesses ; to call for evidence in his favor, and a speedy public trial by 
an impartial jury of the country ; without the unanimous consent of 
which jury he cannot be found guilty ; nor can he be compelled to 
give evidence against himself; nor can any person be justly deprived 
of his liberty, except by the laws of the land, or the judgment of his 
peers. 

Article 11"'. That the people have a right to hold themselves, 
their houses, papers, and possessions free from searcli or seizure ; and 
tiierefore warrants, without oath or affirmation first made, affording 
sufficient foundation for them, and whereby any officer or messenger 
may be commanded or required to search suspected places, or to seize 
any person or persons, his, her, or their property, not particularly de- 
scribed, are contrary to that right, and ought not to be granted. 

Article 12"". That when any issue in fact, proper for the cog- 
nizance of a jury, is joined in a court of law, the parties have a right 
to trial by jury, which ought to be held sacred. 

Article 13"». That the people have the right to freedom of 
speech, and of writing and publishing their sentiments, concerning the 
transactions of government, and therefore the freedom of the press 
ought not to be restrained. 

Article 14'\ The freedom of deliberation, speech, and debate 
in the Legislature is so essential to the rights of the people, that it 
cannot be the foundation of any accusation or prosecution, action or 
complaint, in any other court or place whatsoever. 

Article lo"". The power of suspending laws, or the execution of 
laws, ought never to be exercised but by the Legislature, or by author- 
ity derived from it, to be exercised in such particular cases as this 
constitution, or the Legislature shall provide for. 

Article 16"^. That the people have a right to bear arms for the 
defense of themselves and the State — and as standing armies in time of 
peace are dangerous to liberty, they ought not to be kept up ; and that 
the military should be kept under strict subordination to and governed 
by the civil power. 

Article 17"^. That no person in this State can in any case be sub- 
jected to law martial, or to any penalties or pains by virtue of that law, 
except those employed in the army, and the militia in actual service. 



382 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

Article 18"". That frequent recurrence to fundamental prin- 
ciples, anrl a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, indus- 
try, and frugality, are absolutely necessary to preserve the blessings 
of liberty, and keep government free ; tlie people ouglit, therefore, to 
pay particular attention to tliese points, in the choice of officers and 
representatives, and have a right, in a legal way, to exact a due and 
constant regard to them, from their legislators and magistrates, in 
making and executing such laws as are necessary for the good govern- 
ment of the State. 

Article 19'''. That all people have a natural and inherent right 
to emigrate from one State to another that will receive them. 

Article 20*. That the people have a riglit to assemble together 
to consult for their common good — to instruct their Representatives — 
and to apply to the Legislature for redress of grievances, by address, 
petition or remonstrance. 

Article 21'". That no person shall be liable to be transported out 
of this State for trial for any offense committed within the same. 



PART IT. 

PLAN OR FRAME OF GOVERNMENT. 

Section 1''. The Commonwealth, or State of Vermont, shall be 
Superseded. governed hereafter by a Governor (or Lieutenant-Gov- 
SeeArts. ernor). Council, and an Assembly of the Representatives 

Amend., 3 of the freemen of the same, in manner and form foUow- 

and 8. 

ing : 

Section 2'"'. The Supreme Legislative power shall Superseded 
be vested in a House of Representatives of the freemen See Art 

of the Commonwealth, or State of Vermont. Amend., 3 

Section 3"''*. The Supreme Executive power shall be Superseded 
Tested in the Governor, or, in his absence, a Lieutenant- See Art 

Governor, and Council. Amend., 8 

Section 4"". Courts of Justice shall be maintained in every 
county in this State, and also in new counties, wlien formed ; which 
courts shall be open for the trial of all causes proper for their cog- 
nizance ; and justice shall be therein impartially administered, without 
corruption or unnecessary delay The Judges of the Supreme Court 
shall be Justices of the peace throughout the State ; and the several 
Judges of the County Courts, in their respective counties, by virtue of 



THE CONSTITUTION OF VEKMONT 383 

tlieir office, except in tlie trial of sucli causes as may be appealed to 
the County Court. 

Section 5"*. A future Legislature may, when th^y shall conceive 
the same to be expedient and necessary, erect a Court of Chancery, 
with such powers as are usually exercised by that Court, or as shall 
appear for the interest of the Commonwealth. — Provided they do not 
constitute themselves the Judges of the said court. 

Section 6"». The Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary depart- 
ments shall be separate and distinct, so tliat neither exercise the pow- 
ers properly belonging to the other. 

Section 7"". In order that the freemen of this State might enjoy 
the benefit of election as equally as may be, each town within this 
State, that consists, or may consist of eighty taxable inhabitants, within 
one septenary- or seven years next after the establishing tiiis Con- 
stitution, may hold elections therein, and choose each two Representa- 
tives; and each other inhabited town in this State may, in like man- 
ner, ciioose each one Representative to represent them in General 
Assemlily, during the said septenary, or seven years, and after that, 
each inhabited town may, in like manner, hold such election, and 
choose each one Representative forever thereafter. 

Section 8"'. The House of Representatives of the Freemen of 
See Art. this State shall consist of persons most noted for wis- 

Amend., 24. dom and virtue, to be chosen by ballot, by the freemen of 
every town in this State, respectively, on the first Tuesday of Septem- 
ber annually, forever. 

Section D"'. The Representatives so chosen (a majority of whom 
See Arts sliall constitute a quorum for transacting any other busi- 

Amend., 2, 3, ness than raising a State tax, for which two-thirds of the 
10. 14, 15, 17, members elected shall be ])resent) shall meet on the 
i8, 20, 24, 26. second Thursday of the succeeding October, and shall be 
styled the General Assembly of the State of Vermont : they shall have 
power to choose their Speaker, Secretary of State, their Clerk, and 
other necessary officers of the House— sit on their own adjournments — 
prepare bills and enact them into laws — judge of the elections and 
qualifications of their own members : they may exi)el members, but not 
for causes known to their constituents antecedent to their election : 
they may administer oaths and affirmations in matters depending before 
them — -redress grievances — impeach state criminals — grant charters of 
incorporation — constitute towns, boroughs, cities and counties : they 
may annually on their first session after their election, in conjunction 
with the Council (or oftener if need be), elect Judges of the Supreme 
26 



384 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

and several county and prol)ate Courts, Sheriffs and Justices of 
the peace ; and also, witii the Council, may elect Major-Generals and 
Brigadier-Generals, from time to time, as often as there shall be 
occasion : and tliey sluiU have all other powers necessary for the 
Legislature of a free and sovereign State ; hut they shall have no 
power to add to, alter, abolish, or infringe any part of this constitu- 
tion. 

Section 10"'. The Supreme Executive Council of this State shall 
consist of a Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, and twelve See Arts, 

persons, chosen in the following manner, viz.: The Amend., 9, 
freemen of each town shall, on the day of election for ^^' 

choosing Representatives to attend the General Assembly, bring in 
their votes for Governor, with his name fairly written, to the Con- 
stable, who shall seal them up, and write on them. Votes for the 
Governor, and deliver them to the Representative chosen to attend 
the General Assembly ; and at the opening of the General Assembly, 
there shall be a committee appointed out of the Council and Assembly, 
who, after being duly sworn to the faithful discharge of their trust, 
shall proceed to receive, sort, and count the votes for the Governor, 
and declare the person who has the major part of tlie votes to be 
Governor for the year ensuing. And if there be no choice made, then 
the Council and General Assembly, by their joint ballot, shall make 
choice of a Governor. The Lieutenant-Governor and Treasurer shall 
be chosen in the manner above directed. And each freeman shall give 
in twelve votes for twelve Counsellors, in the same manner, and the 
twelve highest in nomination shall serve for the ensuing year as Coun- 
sellors. 

Section ll"'. The Governor, and in his absence, the Lieutenant- 
Governor, with the Council (a major part of whom, in- See Arts, 
eluding the Governor, or Lieutenant-Governor, shall be a Amend., 6,7, 
quorum to transact business), sliall have power to conimis- ^> 2'' 
sion all officers — and also to appoint officers, except where provision 
is, or shall be otiierwise made, by law or this frame of government — 
and shall supply every vacancy in any office, occasioned by death or 
otherwise, until tlie office can be filled in the manner directed by law 
or this constitution. They are to correspond with other States — trans- 
act business with officers of government civil and military — and to 
prepare such business as may appear to them necessary, to lay before 
the General Assembly. They shall sit as Judges to hear and determine 
on impeachments, taking to their assistance, for advice only, the 
Judges of the Supreme Court. And shall have power to grant pardons 



THE COXSTITUTIOX OF VEEMOXT 385 

and remit fines, in all cases whatsoever, except in treason and murder; 
in which they shall have power to grant reprieves, but not to pardon, 
until after the end of the next Session of Assembly ; and except in 
cases of impeachment, in which there shall be no remission, or mitiga- 
tion of punishment, but by act of legislation. They are also to take 
care tluit the laws be faithfully executed. They are to expedite the 
execution of such measures as may be resolved upon by the General 
Assembly. And they may draw upon the Treasury for such sums as 
may be appropriated by the House of Representatives. They may also 
lay embargoes, or prohibit the exportation of any commodity, for any 
time not exceeding thirty days, in the recess of the House only. They 
nuiy grant such licenses as shall be directed by law ; and shall have 
l)ower to call together the General Assembly, when necessary, before 
tiie day to which they sluill stand adjourned. The Governor shall he 
("aptain-General and Connnander-in-Chief of the forces of the State, 
but shall not command in person, except advised thereto by the Coun- 
cil, and then only so long as they shall approve thereof. And the 
Lieutenant-Governor shall, by virtue of his office, be Lieutenant-Gen- 
eral of all the forces of the State. The Governor, or Lieutenant- 
Governor, and the Council, shall meet at the time and place with the 
General Assembly ; the Lieutenant-Governor shall, during the 
])resenoe of the Commander-in-Chief, vote and act as one of the Coun- 
cil : and the Governor, and in his absence, the Lieutenant-Governor, 
shall, by virtue of their offices, preside in Council, and have a casting 
but no other vote. Ev»ry member of the Council shall be a Justice of 
the peace for the whole State by virtue of his office. The Governor 
and Council shall have a Secretary, and keep fair books of their 
jiroceedings, wherein any Counsellor may enter his dissent, with his 
reasons to support it; and the Governor may appoint a Secretary for 
himself and his Council. 

Section 12"'. The Representatives having met, and chosen their 
Speaker and Clerk, shall each of them, before they proceed to busi- 
ness, take and subscribe, as well the oath or affirmation of allegiance 
liereinafter directed (except where they shall produce certificates of 
their having heretofore taken and subscribed the same) as the follow- 
ing oath or affirmation, viz. : 

You do solomnl}' swear (or affirm) that as a Member 

of this Assembly you will not propose or assent to any bill, vote or 
resolution which shall appear to you injurious to the people, nor do or 
consent to any act or thing whatever that shall have a tendency to 
lessen or abridge their rights and jirivileges as declared by the Consti- 



386 VEEMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMOXTEES 

tution of this State; but will, in all things, conduct yourself as a faith- 
ful, honest Representative and guardian of the people, according to the 
best of your judgment and aliilities. (In case of an oath) so help you 
God. (And in case of an affirmation) under the pains and penalties 
of perjury. 

Section 13"'. The doors of the house in which the General Assem- 
bly of this Commonwealth shall sit shall be open for the admission of 
all persons who behave decently, except only when the welfare of the 
State may require them to be shut. 

Section 14"". The votes and proceedings of the General Assembly 
shall be printed (when one-third of the Members think it necessary) as 
soon as convenient after the end of each session, with the yeas and 
nays on any question, when required by any member (except where the 
votes shall be taken by ballot), in which case every member shall have 
a right to insert the reason of his vote upon the minutes. 

Section 15"'. The style of the laws of this State in future to be 
passed shall be, It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the 
State of Vermont. 

Section 1G"'. To the end that laws, before they are enacted, may 
Superseded. ^^^ more maturely considered, and the inconvenience of 
See Art. hasty determinations as much as possible prevented, all 

Amend., ii. |)ills which originate in the Assembly shall be laid before 
the Governor and Council for their revision and concurrence, or pro- 
posals of amendment; who shall return the same to the Assembly, 
with their proposals of amendment, if an}', in writing, and if the same 
are not agreed to by the Assembly, it shall be in the power of the 
Governor and Council to suspend the passing of such bills until the 
next sessions of the Legislature. Provided, That if the Governor and 
Council shall neglect or refuse to return any such bill to the Assembly, 
with written proposals of amendment, within five days, or before the 
rising of the Legislature, the same shall become a law. 

Section 17"'. No money shall be drawn out of the Treasury unless 
first appropriated by act of Legislation, 

Section 18"'. No person shall be elected a Representative until 
he has resided two years in this State ; the last of which shall be in the 
town for which he is elected. 

Section 19"'. No member of the Council, or House of Representa- 
tives, shall, directly or indirectly, receive any fee or reward to bring 
forward, or advocate any bill, petition for other business, to be trans- 
acted in the Legislature ; or advocate any cause, as Council in either 
House of Legislation, except when employed in behalf of the State. 



THE CONSTITUTION OF VERMONT 387 

SiXTioN 20"". No person ought in any case, or in any time, to be 
declared guilty of treason or felony by the Legislature. 

Section 21^'. Every man of the fall age of twenty-one years, 
having resided in the State for the space of one wliole Freeman's 
year next before the election of Representatives, and is quahflcation 
of a quiet and peaceable behavior, and will take the and oath, 

following oath or affirmation, shall be entitled to all the ^^^ ^■'t- 

privileges of a freeman of this State. '' 

Voit solemn/]/ swear (or affirm) that whenever you give your vote or 
suffrage, touching any matter that concerns the State of Vermont, you 
ivill do it so as in your conscience you shall judge will most conduce to the 
best good of the same, as established by the Constitution, without fear 
or favor of any man. 

Section 22'"*. The inhabitants of this State shall be trained and 
armed for its defense under such regulations, restrictions, and excep- 
tions as Congress, agreeably to the Constitution of the United States, 
and tlie Legislature of this State, shall direct. The several Companies 
of INIilitia sliall, as often as vacancies happen, elect their Captain and 
other Officers, and the Captain and Subalterns shall nominate and 
recommend the field Officers of their respective regiments, who shall 
appoint their staff-officers. 

Section 23"'. All Commissions shall be in the name of the freemen 
of the State of Vermont, sealed with the State-seal, signed by the 
Governor, and in his absence, the Lieutenant-Governor, and attested by 
the Secretar}' ; which seal shall be kept by the Governor. 

Section 24*. Every officer of State, whether judicial or executive, 
Impeach- shall be liable to be impeached by the General Assembly, 

ment. See either when in office, or after his resignation or removal, 
Arts. for mal- ad ministration. All impeachments shall be be- 

mend., 7, 8. ^^^^ ^-^^q Governor, or Lieutenant-Governor, and Council? 
who shall hear and determine the same, and may award costs ; and no 
trial or impeachment shall be a bar to a prosecution at law. 

Section 25"^. As every freeman, to preserve his independence (if 
without sufficient estate), ought to have some profession, calling, trade, 
or farm whereby he may honestly subsist, there can be no necessity 
for, nor use in, establishing offices of profit, the usual effects of which 
are dependence and servility, unbecoming freemen, in the possessors 
or expectants, and faction, contention and discord among the people. 
But if any man is called into public service to the prejudice of his 
private affairs, he has a right to a reasonable compensation ; and when- 
ever an office, through increase of fees or otherwise, becomes so profit- 



388 VERMONT FOR YOUXG VERMONTERS 

able as to occasion many to apply for it, the profit ought to be lessened 
by the Legislature. And if any officer shall wittingly and wilfully 
take greater fees than the law allows him, it shall ever after disqualify 
him from holding any ofiice in this State, until he shall be restored by 
act of Legislation. 

Section 20"". No person in tliis State shall be capable of holding 
or exercising more than one of the following offices at the same time, 
viz. : Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, Judge of the Supreme Court, 
Treasurer of the State, Member of the Council, Member of the General 
Assembly, Surveyor-General, or Sheriff. Nor shall any person hold- 
ing any office of profit or trust under the authority of Congress be 
eligible to any appointment in the Legislature ; or of holding any 
executive or judiciary office under this State. 

Section 27"'. The Treasurer of the State shall, before the Gov- 
ernor and Council, give sufficient security to the Secre- Superseded, 
tary of the State, in behalf of the General Assembly ; See Art. 

and each High-Sheritf, before the first Judge of the Amend., 22. 
County Court, to the Treasurer of their respective Counties, previous 
to their respectively entering upon the execution of their offices, in 
such manner, and in such suras, as shall be directed by the Legisla- 
ture, 

Section 28"^. The Treasurer's account shall be annually audited, 
and a fair state thereof laid liefore the General x\ssembly at their ses- 
sion in October. 

Section 2',)"'. Every officer, whetlier judicial, executive, or mili- 
tary, in autho[r]ity under this State, l)efore he enters upon the execu- 
tion of hi3 office shall take and subscribe the following oath or affir- 
mation of allegiance to this State (unless he shall produce evidence 
that he has before taken the same), and also the following oath or 
affirmation of office, except military officers and such as shall be ex- 
empted by the Legislature. 

The Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance. 

YoH do solemnly swear {or affirm) that you irill he true and faith- 
ful to the State of Vermont^ and that you will not, directly or indi- 
rectly, do any act or thing injurious to the Constitutioji or Goverji- 
meni thereof, as established by Convention. (If an oath) so help you 
God. (If an affirmation) under the pains and penalties of perjury. 
The Oath or Affirmation of Ofiice. 

You do solemnly swear {or affirm) that yon will faith- 

fully execute the office of for the of ; 



THE CONSTITUTION OF VERMONT 389 

and ivill therein do equal right and justice to all men., to the best of 
your judgment and abilities, according to law. (If an oatli) so help 
you God. (If an affirmation) under the pains and penalties of per- 
jury. 

Skction 30"". No person shall l)e eligible to the office of Gov- 
ernor, or Lieutenant-Governor, until he shall have resided in this 
State four years next preceding the day of his election. 

Section 3P'. Trials of issue, proper for the cognizance of a 
Jury, in the Supreme and County Courts, shall be by Jury, except 
where parties otherwise agree ; and great care ought to be taken to 
prevent corruption or partiality in the choice and return, or appoint- 
ment of Juries. 

Section 32"''. All prosecutions shall commence, By the authority 
of the State of J'ermont ;■ — all Indictments shall conclude with these 
words, against the peace and dignity of this State. And all fines shall 
be proportioned to the offenses. 

Section 33"'. The person of a debtor, where there is not strong 
presumption of fraud, shall not be continued in prison after deliver- 
ing up and assigning over, bona fide, all his estate, real and per- 
sonal, in possession, reversion or remainder, for the use of his 
creditors, in such manner as shall be hereafter regulated by law. And 
all prisoners, unless in execution, or committed for capital offenses, 
when the proof is evident or presumption great, shall be bailable 
by sufficient sureties ; nor shall excessive bail be exacted for bailable 
offenses. 

Section 34*. All elections, whether by the people or the Legis- 
lature, shall be free and voluntary ; and any elector who shall receive 
any gift or reward for his vote, in meat, drink, monies or otherwise, 
shall forfeit his right to elect at that time, and suffer such other pen- 
alty as the law shall direct ; and any person who shall directly or indi- 
rectly give, promise, or bestow any such rewards to be elected, shall 
thereby be rendered incapable to serve for the ensuing year, and be 
subject to such further punishment as a future Legislature shall direct. 

Section 35*^. Ail deeds and conveyances of land shall be re- 
corded in the town Clerk's office in their respective towns; and for 
want thereof, in the county Clerk's office of the same County. 

Section ?>&^. The Legislature shall regulate entails in such 
manner as to prevent perpetuities. 

Section 37'^''. To deter more effectually from the commission of 
crimes, by continued visible punishments of long duration, and to 
make sanguinary punishments less necessary, means ought to be pro- 



390 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

vidcd for punishing by liard lalior tliose wlio sliall be convicted of 
crimes not capital, whereby the criminal shall be employed for the 
benefit of the public, or for the reparation of injuries done to private 
persons : and all persons at proper times ought to be permitted to see 
them at their labor. 

Section .'58"'. The estates of such persons as may destroy their 
own lives shall not, for that offense, be forfeited, but descend or as- 
cend in the same manner as if such persons had died in a natural 
way. Nor shall any article which shall accidentally occasion the death 
of any person be henceforth deemed a deodand, or in any wise for- 
feited on account of such misfortune. 

Section 31t"». Every person of good character who comes to 
settle in this State, having first taken an oath or affirma- See Art. 

tion of allegiance to the same, may purchase, or by other Amend., i. 
just means acquire, liold and transfer land, or other real estate; and 
after one year's residence sliall be deemed a free denizen thereof, and 
entitled to all rights of a natural born subject of this State, except 
that he shall not be capable of being elected Governor, Lieutenant- 
Governor, Treasurer, Councillor or Representative in Assembly, until 
after two years' residence. 

Section 40"'. The inhabitants of this State shall have liberty in 
seasonable times to hunt and fowl on the lands they hold, and on 
other lands not enclosed ; and in like manner to fish in all boatable 
and other waters (not private property) under proper regulations, to 
be hereafter made and provided by the General Assembly. 

Section 4P*. Laws for the encouragement of virtue and preven- 
tion of vice and immorality ought to be constantly kept in force, and 
duly executed : and a competent number of schools ought to be main- 
tained in each town for the convenient instruction of youth : and one 
or more grammar schools be incorporated and properly supported in 
each County in this State. And all religious societies, or bodies of 
men, that may be hereafter united or incorporated for the advance- 
ment of religion and learning, or for other pious and charitable pur- 
poses, shall be encouraged and protected in tlie enjoyment of the 
privileges, immunities, and estates which they in justice ougiit to en- 
joy, under such regulations as the General Assembly of this State 
shall direct. 

Section 42°''. The declaration of the political rights and privi- 
leges of the inhabitants of this State is hereby declared to be a part 
of the Constitution of this Commonwealth; and ought not to be vio- 
lated on any pretense whatsoever. 



THE COXSTITUTIO^' OF VERMONT ;591 

SECTION 43'''*. In order that the freedom of this Commonwealth 
Abrogated. ^^Y ^^ preserved inviolate forever, there shall be 
See Art. chosen, by ballot, by the freemen of this State, on the 

Amend., 25. last Wednesday in March, in the year owe thousand seven 
hundred and ninety nine, and on the last Wednesday in March in 
every seven years thereafter, thirteen persons, who shall be chosen in 
the same manner the Council is chosen, except they shall not be out 
of the Council or General Assembly, to be called the Council of 
Censors; who shall meet together on the first AVednesday of June 
next ensuing their clectioii, the majority of whom shall be a quorum 
in every case, except as to calling a Convention, in which two-thirds 
of the whole number elected shall agree : and whose duty it shall be 
to inquire whether the Constitution has been preserved inviolate in 
every part, during the last septenary (including the year of their 
service) ; and whether the legislative and executive branches of gov- 
ernment have performed their duty, as guardians of the people, or 
assumed to themselves, or exercised, other or greater powers than 
they are entitled to by the Constitution : — They are also to inquire 
whether the public taxes have been justly laid and collected in all 
parts of this Commonwealth — in what manner the public monies have 
been disposed of — and whether the laws have been duly executed. — 
For these purposes they shall have power to send for persons, papers, 
and records — they shall have authority to pass public censures, to 
order impeachments, and to recommend to the Legislature the repeal- 
ing such laws as shall appear to them to have been passed, contrary 
to the principles of the Constitution : These powers they shall con- 
tinue to have for and during the space of one year from the day of 
their election, and no longer. The said Council of Censors shall also 
have power to call a Convention, to meet within two years after their 
sitting, if there appears to them an absolut<e necessity of amending 
any article of tliis Constitution, which may be defective — explaining 
such as may be thought not clearly expressed — and of adding such as 
are necessary for the preservation of the rights and happiness of the 
people; but the articles to be amended, and the amendments proposed, 
and such articles as are proposed to be added or abolished, shall be 
promulgated at least six months before the day appointed for the 
election of such Convention, for the previous consideration of the 
people, that they may have an opportunity of instructing their Dele- 
gates on the subject. 



392 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 



PART III. 

« 

ARTICLKS OF AMENDMENT. 

Article [1.] No person who is not already a freeman of tliis 
State shall be entitled to exercise the privileges of a freeman unless he 
be a natural born citizen of this or some one of the United States, 
or until he shall have been naturalized agreeably to the acts of 
Congress. 

Article [2.] The most numerous branch of the Legislature of 
this State shall hereafter be staled the House of Representatives. 

Article [3.] The Supreme Legislative power of this State shall 
hereafter be exercised by a Senate and the House of Representatives ; 
which shall be styled, " The General Assembly of the State of Ver- 
mont." — Each shall have and exercise the like powers in all acts of 
Legislation; and no bill, resolution, or other thing, which shall have 
been passed by the one, shall have the effect of, or be declared to be, a 
law, witiiout the concurrence of the other. Provided^ That all Reve- 
nue bills shall originate in the House of Representatives, — but the 
Senate may propose or concur with amendments, as on other bills. 
Neither House, during the session of the General Assembly, shall, with- 
out the consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to 
any other place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting, — 
and in case of disagreement between the two Houses with respect to 
adjournment, the Governor may adjourn them to such time as he shall 
think proper. 

Article [4.] The Senate shall be composed of thirty Senators, to 
Superseded. be of the freemen of the County for which they are 
See Art. elected, respectively, who are thirty years of age or up- 

Amend., 23. ward, and to be annually elected by the freemen of each 
County respectively. — Each County shall be entitled to one Senator, 
at least, and the remainder of the Senators shall be apportioned to the 
several Counties, according to their population, as the same was ascer- 
tained by the last Census, taken under the authority of the United 
States, — regard being always had, in such apportionment, to the Coun- 
ties having the greatest fraction. — But the several Counties shall, until 
after the next Census of the United States, be entitled to elect, and 
have their Senators, in the following proportion, to wit : 

Bennington County, two; Windham County, three; Rutland 
County, three ; Windsor County, four ; Addison County, three ; Orange 
County, three ; Washington County, two ; Chittenden County, two ; 



THE CONSTITUTION OF VERMONT :30;3 

Caledonia County, two; Franklin County, three; Orleans County, 
one ; Essex County, one ; Grand Isle County, one. 

The Legislature shall make a new apportionment of the Senators, 
to the several Counties, after the taking of each Census of the United 
States, or Census taken, for the purpose of such apportionment, by 
order of the Government of this State— always regarding the above 
provisions in this article. 

Article [5.] The freemen of the several town^ in each County 
shall annually give their votes for the Senators, appor- See Art. 

tioned to such County, at the same time, and under the Amend., 24. 
same regulations as are now provided for the election of Councillors. 
— And the person or persons, equal in number to the number of Sen- 
ators apportioned to such County, having the greatest number of 
legal votes in such County respectively, shall be the Senator or Sen- 
ators of such County. — At every election of Senators, after the votes 
shall have been taken, the Constable or presiding officer, assisted by 
the Selectmen and civil authority present, sliall sort and count the said 
votes, and make two lists of the names of each person, with the number 
of votes given for each annexed to his name, a record of which shall 
be made in the Town Clerk's office, and shall seal up said lists, sepa- 
rately, and write on each the name of the town, and these words, 
"Votes for Senator," or " Votes for Senators," as the case may be, 
one of which lists shall be delivered, by the presiding officer, to the 
Representative of said town (if any), and if none be chosen, to the 
Representative of an adjoining town, to be transmitted to the Presi- 
dent of the Senate; — the other list the said presiding officer shall, 
within ten days, deliver to the Clerk of the County Court, for the 
same County, — and the Clerk of each County Court, respectively, or 
in case of his absence, or disability, to the Sheriff of such County, or 
in case of the absence or disability of both, to the High-Bailiff of such 
County, on the tenth day after such election, shall publicly, open, sort, 
and count said votes ; — and make a record of the same in the office of 
the Clerk of such County Court, a copy of which he shall transmit to 
the Senate : — and shall also within ten days thereafter transmit to the 
person or persons elected a certificate of his or their election. Pro- 
vided^ However, that the General Assembly shall have power to regu- 
late by Law the mode of balloting for Senators, within the several 
Counties, and to prescribe the means, and the manner by which the 
result of the balloting shall be ascertained, and through which the 
Senators chosen shall be certified of their election, and for filling all 
vacancies in the Senate, which shall happen by death, resignation or 



394 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

otherwise. But they shall not have power to apportion the Senators 
to the several Counties otherwise than according to the population 
thereof agreeably to tiie provisions hereinbefore ordained. 

Article [6.] The Senate shall have the like powers to decide on 
the election and qualifications of, and to expel any of its members, 
make its own rules, and appoint its own officers, as are incident to, 
or are possessed by the House of Representatives. A majority shall 
constitute a quorum. The Lieut. -Governor shall be President of the 
Senate, except when he shall exercise the office of Governor, or when 
his office shall be vacant, or in his absence, in which cases the Senate 
shall appoint one of its own members to be President of the Senate, 
jjro tempore. And the President of the Senate shall have a casting 
vote, but no other. 

Article [7 ] The Senate shall have the sole power of trying and 
deciding upon all impeachments— when sitting for that purpose, they 
shall be on oath, or affirmation, and no person shall be convicted, 
without the concurrence of two-thirds of the members present. Judg- 
ment in cases of impeachment shall not extend farther than to re- 
moval from office — and disqualification to hold or enjoying any office 
of honor, or profit, or trust, under this State. But the party con- 
victed shall, nevertheless, be liable and subject to indictment, trial, 
judgment, and punishment, according to Law. 

Article [8.] The Supreme Executive power of the State shall 
be exercised by tlie Governor, or, in case of his absence, g^^ ^^^ 

or disability, by the Lieut. -Governor ; who shall have all Amend., 22. 
the powers, and perform all the duties vested in, and en- Con. Sees, n, 
joined upon the Governor and Council, by the Eleventh ^4, 27- 

and Twenty-seventh Sections of the second Chapter of the Constitu- 
tion, as at present establislied, excepting that he shall not sit as a judge, 
in case of impeachment, nor grant reprieve or pardon, in any such 
case ; nor shall he command the forces of the State in person, in time 
of war, or insurrection ; unless by the advice or consent of the Senate ; 
and no longer than they shall approve thereof. The Governor may 
have a Secretary of civil and Military affairs, to be liy him appointed 
during pleasure, whose services he may at all times command ; and 
for whose compensation provision shall be made by law. 

Article [9.] The votes for Governor, Lieut. -Governor, and 
Treasurer, of the State, shall be sorted and counted, and the result de- 
clared, by a committee appointed by the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives. If, at any time, there shall be no election, by the free- 
men, of Governor, Lieut. -Governor, and Treasurer, of the State, the 



THE CONSTITUTION OF VERMONT 395 

Sonato and House of Representatives sliall, by a joint ballot, elect to 
fill the office, not filled by the freemen as aforesaid, one of the three 
candidates for such office (if there be so many) for whom the greatest 
number of votes shall have been returned. 

Article [10.] The Secretary of State, and all officers, whose 
elections are not otherwise provided for, and who under the exist- 
ing provisions of the Constitution, are elected by the Council 
and House of Representatives, shall, hereafter, be elected by the 
Senate and House of Representatives, in joint assembly, at which 
the presiding officer of the Senate shall preside ; and such presid- 
ing officer in such joint assembly shall have a casting vote, and no 
other. 

Article [11.] Every bill whith shall have passed the Senate and 
House of Representatives shall, before it become a law, be presented 
to the Governor; if he approve, he shall sign it; if not, he shall re- 
turn it, with his objections in writing, to the House in which it shall 
have originated ; which shall proceed to reconsider it. If, upon 
such reconsideration, a majority of the House shall pass the bill, it 
shall, together with the objections, be sent to the other House, by 
which, it shall, likewise, be reconsidered, and, if approved by a ma- 
jority of that House, it shall become a law. But, in all such cases, the 
votes of both houses shall be taken by yeas and nays, and the names 
of the persons voting for or against the bill shall be entered on the 
journal of each House, respectivel3^ If any bill sliall not be returned 
by the Governor, as aforesaid, within five days (Sundays excepted) 
after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall become a 
law, in like manner, as if he had signed it ; unless the two Houses, 
by their adjournment, within three days after the presentment of 
such bill, shall prevent its return ; in which case it shall not become a 
law. 

Article [12.] The Writ of Habeas Corpus shall in no case be sus- 
pended. — It shall be a writ, issuable of right; and the General Assem- 
bly shall make provision to render it a speedy and effectual remedy in 
all cases proper therefor. 

Article [13.] Such parts and provisions only of the Constitution of 
this State, established by Convention on the ninth day of July, one 
thousand seven hundred and ninety three, as are altered or superseded 
by any of the foregoing amendments, or are repugnant thereto, shall 
hereafter cease to have effect. 

Article [14.] The Assistant Judges of the County Court shall be 
elected by the Freemen of their respective Counties. 



396 YEEMOXT FOR YOUXG VERMONTERS 

Article [15] Sheriffs and Iliijli-Biiiliffs shall be elected by the 
Freemen of their respective Counties. 

Article [10.] State's Attorneys shall be elected by the Freemen of 
their respective Counties. 

Article [17.] Judges of Probate shall be elected by tlie Freemen 
of tlieir respective Probate Districts. 

Article [18.] Justices of the Peace shall be elected by the Free- 
men of their respective towns ; and towns having less than one thou- 
sand inhabitants may elect any number of Justices of the Peace not ex- 
ceediag Jive ; towns having one thousand, and less than two thousand, 
inhabitants may elect seven ; towns having two thousand, and less than 
three thousand, inhal)itants may elect ten ; towns having tiiree thou- 
sand, and less than five thousand, inhabitants may elect twelve ; and 
towns having five thousand, or more, inhabitants may elect fifteen 
Justices of the Peace. 

Article [10.] All the officers named in tlie preceding articles of 
See Art. amendment shall be annually elected by ballot and shall 

Amend. 24. hold their offices for one year, said year commencing on 
the first day of December next after their election. 

Article [20.] The electiou of the several officers mentioned in the 
See Art. preceding articles, excepting town Representatives, shall 

Amend., 24. be made at the times and in the manner now directed 
in tlie Constitution for the choice of Senators. And the presiding of- 
ficer of each Freeman's meeting, after the votes shall have been taken, 
sorted and counted, shall in open meeting make a certificate of the 
names of each person voted for, with the number of votes given for 
each, annexed to his name and designating the office for which the 
votes were given, a record of which shall be made in the Town Clerk's 
office, and he shall seal up said certificate, and shall write thereon the 

name of the town and the words, Certificate of Votes for 

and add thereto, in writing, the title of tiie office voted for, as the case 
may be, and shall deliver such certificate to some Representative 
chosen as a member of the General Assembly, whose duty it shall be 
to cause such certificates of votes to l)e delivered to the Committee of 
tlie General Assembly appointed to canvass the same. And at tlie sit- 
ting of the General Asseml)ly next after such balloting for the officers 
aforesaid, there shall be a Committee appointed of and by the General 
Assembly, who shall be sworn to the faithful discharge of their duty 
and whose duty it shall be to examine sucli certificates and ascertain 
the number of votes given for each candidate, and the persons receiv- 
ing the largest number of votes for the respective offices shall be de- 



THE COXSTITUTIOX OF VERMONT 307 

clared duly elected, and by such Committee be reported to the General 
Assembly, and the officers so elected shall be commissioned by the Gov- 
ernor. And if two or more persons designated for any one of said 
offices shall have received an equal number of votes, the General 
Assembly shall elect one of such persons to such office. 

Article [21.] The term of office of the Governor, Lieutenant- 
Governor, and Treasurer of the State, respectively, shall See Art. 
commence when they shall be chosen and qualified, and Amend., 24. 
shall continue for the term of one year, or until their successors shall 
be chosen and qualified, or to the adjournment of the session of the 
Legislature, at which, by the constitution and laws, their successors are 
required to be chosen, and not after such adjournment. And the 
Legislature shall provide, by general law, declaring what officer shall 
act as Governor whenever there shall be a vacancy in both the offices 
of Governor and Lieutenant-Governor^ occasioned by a failure to elect, 
or by the removal from office, or by the death, resignation, or inability of 
both Governor and Lieutenant Governor, to exercise the powers and 
discharge the duties of the office of Governor; and such officer, so 
designated, shall exercise the powers and discharge the duties apper- 
taining to the office of Governor accordingly until the disability shall 
be removed, or a Governor shall be elected. And in case there shall 
be a vacancy in the office of Treasurer, by reason of any of the causes 
enumerated, the Governor shall appoint a Treasurer for the time being, 
who shall act as Treasurer until the disability shall be removed, or a 
new election shall be made. 

Article [22.] The Treasurer of the State shall, before entering 
upon the duties of his office, give sufficient security to the Secretary of 
State, in behalf of the State of Vermont, before the Governor of the 
State or one of the Judges of the Supreme Court. And Sheriffs and 
High-Bailiffs, before entering upon the duties of their respective 
offices, shall give sufficient security to the Treasurers of their respec- 
tive Counties, before one of the Judges of the Supreme Court, or the 
two Assistant Judges of the County Court of their respective Counties, 
in such manner and in such sums as shall be directed by the Legis- 
lature. 

Article [23.] The Senate shall be composed of thirty Senators, 
See Art. to be of the Freemen of the County for which they are 

Amend., 24. elected, respectively, who shall have attained the age of 
thirty years, and they shall be elected annually by the Freemen of 
each County respectively. 

The Senators shall be apportioned to the several Counties, accord- 



398 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 

ing to the population, as asfcrtaini'd by the Census taken unJer the 
authority of Congress in the year 1S40, regard being always had, in 
such apportionment, to the Counties having tiie largest fraction, and 
giving to each county at least one Senator. 

The Legislature siiall make a new apportionment of the Senators 
to the several Counties, after the taking of each census of the United 
States, or after a census taken for the purpose of such apportionment, 
under the authority of this State, always regarding the above pro- 
visions of this article. 

AuTicLE [24.] Section 1. The General Asseml>ly sliall meet on 
the first Wednesday of October, biennially; the first election shall 
be on the first Tuesday of September, A. I). 1870: the first session 
of the General Assembly on the first Wednesday of October, A. D. 
1870. 

Sectnon 2. The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer of the 
State, senators, town representatives, assistant judges of tlie county 
court, sheriffs, high-bailiffs, State's attorneys, judges of probate and 
justices of the peace, shall lie elected biennially, on the first Tuesday 
of September, in the manner prescribed by the Constitution of the 
State. 

Section 8. The term of office of the Governor, Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor and Treasurer of the State, respectively, shall commence when 
they shall be cliosen and qualified, and sliall continue for the term of 
two years, or until their successors shall be chosen and qualified, or 
to the adjournment of the session of the Legislature at which, by the 
Constitution and laws, their successors are required to be chosen, and 
not after such adjournment. 

Section 4. The term of office of senators and town representatives 
shall be two years, commencing on the first AVednesday of October fol- 
lowing their election. 

Section 5. Tiie term of office of the assistant judges of the county 
court, sheriffs, higiibailiffs. State's attorneys, judges of probate and 
justices of the peace, shall be two years, and shall commence on the 
first day of December next after their election. 

AuTici.E [2r>.] Section 1. At the session of the General Assembly 
of this State, A. I). 1880, and at the session thereof every tenth year 
thereafter, the Senate may, by a vote of two thirds of its members, 
make proposals of amendment to the Constitution of the State, which 
proposals of amendnumt, if concurred in by a majority of the mem- 
bers of the House of Representatives, shall be entered on the journals 
of the two Houses, and referred to the General Assembly then next 



THE CONSTITUTION OF VEKMONT 399 

to be chosen, and be published in the principal newspapers of the 
State ; and if a majority of the members of the Senate and of the 
House of Representatives of the next following General Assembly 
shall respectively concur in the same proposals of amendment, or any 
of them, it shall be the duty of the General Assembly to submit the 
proposals of amendment so concurred in to a direct vote of the free- 
men of the State ; and such of said proposals of amendment as shall 
receive a majority of the votes of the freemen voting thereon shall 
become a part of the Constitution of this State. 

Section 2. The General Assembly shall direct the manner of vot- 
ing by the people upon the proposed amendments, and enact all such 
laws as shall be necessary to procure a free and fair vote upon each 
amendment proposed, and to carry into effect all the provisions of the 
preceding section. 

Section 3. The House of Representatives shall have all the pow- 
ers now possessed by the Council of Censors to order impeachments, 
which shall in all cases be by a vote of two-thirds of its members. 

Section 4. The forty-third section of the second part of the Con- 
stitution of this State is hereby abrogated. 

Article [26.] The Judges of the Supreme Court shall be elected 
biennially, and their term of office shall be two years. 

Article [27.] Section 1. The representatives having met on the 
day appointed by law for the commencement of a biennial session of 
the general assembly, and chosen their speaker, and the senators 
having met, shall, before they proceed to business take and subscribe 
the following oath, in addition to the oath now prescribed : " Yon, 
, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that you did not at the 
time of your election to this body, and that you do not now, hold any 
office of profit or trust iinder the aiithority of Congress. So help you 
God." Or, in case of affirmation. " Under the pains and penalties 
of perjury." 

Section 2. The words " office of profit or trust under the authority 
of Congress " shall be construed to mean any office created directly or 
indirectly by congress, and for which emolument is provided from the 
Treasury of the United States. 

Article [28.] Section 1. The secretary of state and auditor of 
accounts shall be elected by the freemen of the State upon the same 
ticket with the governor, lieutenant-governor and treasurer. 

Section 2. The Legislature shall carry this article into effect by 
appropriate legislation. 
27 



400 VEEMONT FOE YOUNG VEEMONTEES 

TEST ON THE CONSTITUTION. 

1. Of what three parts does the Vermont constitution consist ? 

2. The first part consists of how many articles ? 

3. Name at least ten of the rights declared in this part of the con- 

stitution. 

4. Into how many parts, or sections, is the second part of the con- 

stitution divided ? 

5. Read this part carefully and state some of its requirements. 

6. "What is an amendment, and how many does our Vermont con- 

stitution now contain ? 

7. Read carefully the articles of amendment and state some of their 

requirements. 



APPENDIX 



POPULATION OF VERMONT TOWNS, CITIES, AND GORES 

(CENSUS OF 1900). 



Addison 851 

Albany 1,028 

Alburg 1,474 

Andover 372 

Arlington 1,193 

Athens 180 

Averill (unorganized) 18 

Avery's Gore ( Essex Co.). . . 17 
Avery's Gore (Franklin Co.). 
No population retvmed. 

Bakersfield 1,158 

Baltimore 55 

Barnard 840 

Barnet 1,763 

Baire (city) 8,448 

Barre (town) 8,346 

Barton, including Barton and 
Barton Landing Villages. .2,790 

Barton Village 1,050 

Barton Landing Village. . 677 

Belvidere 428 

Bennington, including Ben- 
nington, Bennington Cen- 
ter, and North Bennington 

Villages 8,033 

Bennington Village 5,656 

Bennington Center Vil- 
lage 215 

North Bennington Village. 1,474 



Benson 844 

Berkshire 1,326 

Berlin 1,021 

Bethel 1,611 

Bloomfield 564 

Bolton 486 

Bradford, including Brad- 
ford Village 1,338 

Bradford Village 614 

Braintree 776 

Brandon 2,759 

Brattleboro, including Brat- 

tleboro Village 6,640 

Brattleboro Village 5,297 

Bridgewater 972 

Bridport 956 

Brighton 2,023 

Bristol. 2,061 

Brookfield 996 

Brookline 171 

Brownington 748 

Brunswick 106 

Buel's and Avery's Gore 

(Chittenden Co.) 20 

Burke 1,184 

Burlington (city) 18,640 

Cabot, including Cabot Vil- 
lage 1,126 

Cabot Village 226 



401 



402 VEEMONT FOR YOUXG VERMOXTEES 



Calais 1,101 

Cambridge 1,606 

Canaan 934 

Castleton o 2,0S9 

Cavendish 1 ,352 

Charleston 1.025 

Charlotte 1.254: 

Chelsea 1,070 

Chester, including Chester 

Village 1,775 

Chester Village 950 

Chittenden 621 

Clarendon 915 

Colchester, including Wi- 

nooski Village 5,352 

WinoosM Village 3,783 

Concord 1,129 

Corinth 978 

Cornwall 850 

Coventry 728 

Craftsbury 1,251 

Danby 964 

Danville 1,628 

Derby, including Derby, 
Derby Line, and West 

Derby Villages 3,274 

Derby Village 297 

Derby Line Village 309 

West Derby Village 913 

Dorset 1, 477 

Dover ' 503 

Dummerston 726 

Duxbury 778 

East Haven 171 

East Montpelier 1,061 

Eden 738 

Elmore 550 

Enosburg, including Euos- 
burg Falls Village 2,054 



Enosburg Falls Village. . . 954 
Essex, including Essex Junc- 
tion Village 2. 203 

Essex Junction Village . . . 1.141 

Fairfax 1,338 

Fairfield 1,830 

Fair Haven, including Fair 

Haven ViUage 2,999 

Fair Haven Village 2,470 

Fairlee 438 

Fayston 466 

Ferdinand (unorganized) . . 41 

Ferrisburg 1,619 

Fletciier 750 

Franklin 1,145 

Georgia 1,280 

Glastenbury 48 

Glover 891 

Goshen 286 

Grafton 804 

Granby 182 

Grand Isle 851 

Granville 544 

Greensboro 874 

Groton 1,059 

Guildhall 455 

Guilford 782 

Halifax 662 

Hancock 253 

Hardwick, including Hard- 
wick Village 2,460 

Hardwick Village 1,334 

Hartford 3,817 

Hartland 1,340 

Highgate 1,980 

Hinesburg 1,216 

Holland 838 

Hubbardton 488 



APPENDIX 



403 



Huntington 728 

Hyde Park, including Hyde 

Park Village 1,472 

Hyde Park Village 422 

Ira 350 

Irasburg. 939 

IsleLaMotte 508 

Jamaica 800 

Jay 530 

Jericho 1,373 

Johnson, including Johnson 

Village 1,391 

Johnson Village 587 

Kirby 350 

Landgrove 225 

Leicester 509 

Lemington . . . . 204 

Lewis (unorganized) 8 

Lincoln 1,152 

Londonderry 961 

Lowell 982 

Ludlow, including Ludlow 

Village. 2,042 

Ludlow Village 1,454 

Lunenberg 968 

Lyndon, including Lyndon 
Center and Lyndonville 

Villages 2,956 

Lijndon Center Village. . . 232 
Lyndonville 1,274 

Maidstone 206 

Manchester 1,955 

Marlboro 448 

Marshfield 1,032 

Mendon 392 

Middiebury, including Mid- 
dlebury Village 3,045 



Middiebury Village 1,897 

Middlesex 883 

Middletown Springs 746 

Milton 1,804 

Monkton 912 

Montgomery 1,876 

Montpelier (city) 6,266 

Moretown 902 

Morgan 510 

Morristown, including Mor- 
ris ville Village 2,583 

Morrisville Village 1,262 

Mount Holly 999 

Mount Tabor 494 

Newark 500 

Newbury, including Wells 

River Village 2,125 

Wells River Village 565 

Newf ane 905 

New Haven 1,107 

Newport, including Newport 

Village 3,113 

Newport Village 1,874 

Northfield, including North- 
field Village 2,855 

Northfield Village 1,508 

North Hero 712 

Norton, 692 

Norwich 1,303 

Orange 598 

Orwell 1,150 

Panton 409 

Pawlet 1,731 

Peacham. 794 

Peru 373 

Pittsfield 435 

Pittsford 1,866 



404 



VERMOOT FOR YOTOG VERMONTERS 



Plainfield, including Plain- 
field Village 726 

Plainfield Village 341 

Plymouth 64g 

Pomf ret yj j 

^oultney 3^10g 

I'o^^n'il 1,976 

Proctor, including Proctor 

^'"age 2,136 

Proctor Village 2,013 

^"tney 'ggg 

Randolph, including Ran- 
dolph Village. 3 141 

Randolph Village 1,540 

I^eading '^49 

Readsboro, including Reads- 

boro Village 1^139 

Readsboro Village 053 

Richford, including Richford 

^''ll'>5?e 2,421 

Richford Village l 513 

Richmond, including Rich- 
mond Village 1,057 

Richmond Village (incor- 
porated 1902) 

Ripton 525 

Rochester 1 250 

Rockingham, including Bel- 
lows Falls Village 5,809 

Bellows Falls Village 4,337 

Roxbury 7 12 

Royalton 1 49" 1 

Rupert (^(jo I 

Rutland (city) 11,499 

Rutland (town) 1 109 

Ryegate 995 



Salisbury (599 

Sandgate 4g2 

Searsburg KJl 

Shaftsbury ...1,857 



Sharon .... 
Sheffield..., 
Shelburne. . 
Sheldon.. . . 
Sherburne 
Shoreham 
Shrewsbury. 
Somerset 



90 



709 

724 

1,202 

1,341 

402 

1,193 

935 

! South Burlington 971 

South Hero 917 

Springfield, including Spring- 
field Village 3,432 

Springfield Village 2,040 

St. Albaus (cityj q 239 

St. Albans (town) 1,715 

St George 

St. Johnsbury, including St. 

Johnsbury Village 7,010 

St. Johnsbury Village 5,666 

Stamford g-7 

Stannard 222 

Starksboro 9Q2 

Stockbridge 322 

Stowe, including Stowe \\\- 

^age i,92f; 

Stowe Village 500 

Strafford 1.000 

Stratton 971 

Sudbury 47.^ 

Sunderland 51*^ 

Sutton gf)^ 

Swanton, including Swanton 

^'ill^ge 3,745 

Swanton Village 1,168 

Thetford 1,249 

Tinmouth 404 

Topsham 1,117 

Townshend 333 

Troy, including North Troy 
Village 1,467 



APPENDIX 



405 



North Troy Village 562 

Tunbridge 885 

Underhill 1,U0 

Vergennes (city) 1,753 

Vernon 578 

Vershire 641 

Victory 321 

Waitsfield 760 

Walden 764 

Wallingford 1,575 

Waltham 264 

Wardsboro 637 

Warner's Grant (Essex Co.). 
No population returned. 

Warren 826 

Warren^ s Gore (Essex Co.). 17 

Washington 820 

Waterbury, including Water- 
bury Village 2,810 

Waterbury Village 1,597 

Waterford 705 

Waterville 529 

Weatbersfield 1,089 

Wells 606 

West Fairlee 531 

Westfield 646 

Westford 888 



West Haven 355 

Westminster 1,295 

Westraore 390 

Weston . . 756 

West Rutland 2,914 

WestAVindsor 513 

Weybridge 518 

Wbeelock 567 

Whiting 361 

Whitingham 1,042 

Williamstown 1,610 

Williston 1,176 

Wilmington, including Wil- 
mington Village 1,221 

Wilmington Village 410 

Windham 356 

Windsor, including Windsor 

Village 2,119 

Windsor Village 1,656 

Winhall 449 

Wolcott 1,066 

Woodbury 862 

Woodford 279 

Woodstock, including Wood- 
stock Village 2,557 

Woodstock Village 1,284 

Worcester 636 

Total population 343,641 



406 VEEMONT FOR YOUNG VEIiMO:N'TEES 



FROM LEGISLATIVE DIRECTORY 



GOVERNORS 



Thomas Chittenden 1778-89 

Moses Robinson 1789-90 

Thomas Chittenden' 1790-97 

Paul Brigham,^ August 25 to 
October 16, 1797 

Isaac Tichenor 1797-1807 

Israel Smith 1807-08 

Isaac Tichenor 1808-09 

Jonas Galusha 1809-13 

Martin Chittenden 1813-15 

Jonas Galusha 1815-20 

Richard Skinner 1820-23 

Cornelius P. Van Ness. ..1823-26 

Ezra Butler 1826-28 

Samuel C. Crafts 1828-31 

William A. Palmer 1831-35 

Silas H. Jennison^ 1835-36 

Silas H. Jennison 1836-41 

Charles Paine 1841-43 

John Mattocks 1843-44 

William Slade 1844-46 

Horace Eaton 1846-48 

Carlos Coolidge 1848-50 

Charles K. Williams 1850-52 

Erastus Fairbanks 1852-53 

John S. Robinson ....... 1853-54 

Stephen Royce 1854-56 



Ryland Fletcher 1856-58 

Hiland Hall 1858-60 

Erastus Fairbanks 1860-61 

Frederick Holbrook 1861-63 

J. Gregory Smith 1863-65 

Paul Dillingham 1865-67 

John B. Page 1867-69 

Peter T. Washburn^ 1869-70 

George W. Hendee^ 1870- 

John W. Stewart 1870-72 

Julius Converse 1872-74 

Asahel Peck 1874-76 

Horace Fairbanks 1876-78 

Redfield Proctor 1878-80 

Roswell Farnham 1880-82 

John L. Barstow 1882-84 

Samuel E. Pingree 1884-86 

Ebenezer J. Ormsbee 1886-88 

William P. Dillingham . . 1888-9 

Carroll S. Page 1890-92 

Levi K. Fuller 1892-94 

Urban A. Woodbury . . ..1894-96 

Josiah Grout 1896-98 

Edward C. Smith. .... 1898-1900 

William W. Stickney 1900-02 

John G. McCuUough 1902- 



» Died AuRust 25, 1797. 

= Lieutenant-Governor, acting Governor on the death of Governor Chittenden. 

' Lieutenant-Governor, Governor by reason of no election of Governor by the people. 

* Died in office, February 7, 1S70. 

» Lieutenant-Governor, Governor by reason of the death of Governor Washburn. 



APPENDIX 



407 



SENATORS IN CONGRESS 



FIKST CLASS 




Moses Robinson' 


..1791-96 


Isaac Tichenor' 


..1796-97 


Nathaniel Chipman . . . 


1797-1803 


Israel Smith' 


..1803-07 


Jonathan Robinson. . . 


..1807-15 


Isaac Tichenor 


..1815-21 


Horatio Sevniour 


..1821-33 


Benjamin Swift 


. . 1833-39 


Samuel S. Phelps .... 


..1839-51 


Solomon Foot- 


. .1851-66 


George F. Edmunds'.. 


..1866-91 


Redfield Proctor 


,.1891- 



SECOND CLASS 

Stephen R. Bradley 1791-95 

Elijah Paine 1795-1801 

Stephen R. Bradley. ..... 1801-13 

Dudley Chasei 1813-17 

James Fisk' 1817-18 

William A. Palmer 1818-25 

Dudley Chase 1825-31 

Samuel Prentiss^ 1831-42 

Samuel C. Crafts 1842-43 

William Upham- 1843-53 

Samuel S. Phelps 1853-54 

Lawrence Brainerd 1854-55 

Jacob Collamer- 1855-65 

Luke P. Poland 1865-67 

Justin S. Morrill 2 1867-99 

Jonathan Ross 1899-1900 

William P. Dillingham. . .1900- 

" First and second class " relate to classes, as defined in the second 
clause, third section, first article, of the Constitution of the United 
States. 



I Resigned. 



2 Died in oflBce. 



INDEX 



Allen, Ethan, 95, 96, 113-115, 120- 

123, 166, 167. 

Allen, Ira, 148, 160, 165, 166, 187, 

194 
Amendments, of 1870, 311 ; how 

made, 343, 344. 
Annexations, of towns, 168, 169, 183, 

184. 
Arbor Day, instituted, 316. 
Artists, 267, 3(>8, 322, 323. 
Auditors, county, 360; State, 347, 

348 ; town, 362. 

BaUiflF, 358. 

Baker, Remember, 95-97, 100, 121. 

Battle, at moubh of Otter Creek, 
240 ; at Plattsburg, 242, 243 ; near 
Valcour Island, 131-133 ; of Ben- 
nington, 150-154 ; of Hubbardton, 
143, 144 ; with Iroquois, 7, 8. 

Beavers, 82-84. 

Bees, raising, husking, etc., 84, 85. 

Bellows Falls, granted, 45. 

Benedict, G. G., 322. 

Bennington, granted, 44; settled, 59; 
battle of, 150-154. 

Block-house, 40, 41. 

Brattleboro, first settlement of, 35. 

Breckenridge, James, 92. 

Brigade, First Vermont, 292-295; 
Second Vermont, 296, 297. 

Burgoyne, Gen., 141, 145, 147, 156. 

Caucuses, 3i53. 

Cavalry, First Vermont, 295. 



Champlain, lake, discovery of, 6 ; 
position and extent of, 333. 

Champlain, Samuel de, explorations 
and discoveries, 5-8. 

Charters, colonial, 59 ; N. H. , 55-57 ; 
N. Y., 87. 88; Vt., 216. 

Chittenden, Thomas, 160, 163-16.5. 

Churches, first edifices, 36, 76, 77 ; 
denominations, 213-216, 260, 261. 

Cities, incorporated, 208, 311 ; gov- 
ernment of, 368, 369. 

Civil government of Vermont, 338- 
377. 

Civil trial, 373. 

Claims, of Indians, 20 ; of New 
York, 59, 60 ; of neighboring 
States, 172, 173. 

Clark, Admiral, 325. 

Clerk, county, 359 ; town, 361. 

Climate of Vermont, 334. 

Coat of arms, 273, 274. 

Colleges, establishment of, 217-220, 
262, 263 ; record of, 288, 289, 299, 
310 ; University of Vermont dur- 
ing War of 1812, 237. 

Commerce, 227-231, 247-249. 

Commissioner of State taxes, 348. 

Committees, of correspondence, 103 ; 
of safety, 94. 

Constal)les, 362. 

Constitution, of Vermont, adopted, 
137, 138; character of, 161 ; how 
amended, 162, 163, 343, 344; of 
U. S., 338. 

Conventions, Dorset, 125, 128-130 ; 



409 



410 VEEMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 



Westminster, 134; Windsor, 136- 
139 ; duties of, 353. 

Council, of censors, 162, 163 ; of 
safety, 13S, 148, 149. 

Counties, Cumberland, resistance in, 
170, 171 ; formed, 88-91, 160, 1S3, 
207, 208, 272 ; government of, 357, 
358 ; names of, 334 ; officers of, 
358-300. 

Court, at Westminster, 105-107 ; 
chancery, 376 ; consists of, 369 ; 
county, 376 ; early, 90, 91 ; federal, 
374; justice, 374; kinds of, 373, 
374 ; municipal, 375 ; probate, 
376 ; State, 374 ; supreme, 377. 

Currency, 196, 197. 

Dairy products, 314. 

Declaration of independence, U. S., 
128; Vermont, 134, 135. 

Deerfield, attack on, 28-31. 

Dewey, Admiral, 323-325. 

Districts, congressional, 336 ; pro- 
bate. 336 

Dorr, Julia C. R.,322. 

Drinking habits, 224, 225. 

Eastman, C. G., 267. 
Edmunds, Geo. F., 320, 321. 
Edward, Prince, 206, 207. 
Electric lights. 312; roads, 313. 
Emigration, 259, 260. 
Equivalent lands, 32. 
Examiner of teachers, 360. 

Fireplace, 65-67. 

Flag of Vermont, 273. 

Flax, 70, 71. 

Fleet, built at Vergennes, 238-240; 

at St. Johns, 130, 131 ; at Skenes- 

boro, 130, 131. 
Foods, of Indians, 18, 19, 36, 37, 179 ; 

of early settlers, 67-69. 
Fort, Bridgman, built, 40 ; attacked, 

46 ; demolished, 43 ; at Chimney 

Point, built by English, 28; built 



by French, 35, 36 ; Uummer, built, 
33-35 ; strengthened, 39, 40 ; sup- 
port of, 42 ; Crown Point, built, 
36 ; taken by English, 47 ; taken 
by Americans, 116 ; Ethan Allen, 
312; Hinsdale, 40; Number Four, 
built, 40 ; attacked, 43 ; Independ- 
ence, built, 128 ; evacuated, 142, 
143; St. Anne, 20; Ticonderoga, 
taken by English, 47; taken by 
Ethan Allen, 110-115 ; evacuated 
by Americans, 142, 143 ; evacuated 
by British, 156, 157. 
Freemen, 365 ; meetings of, 353, 354; 
warnings to meetings of, 365. 

Game, 80-84. 

Geography of Vermont, 330-337. 

Gores, 202, 336. 

Government, early, 160-163 ; organ- 
ized, 160, 161; powers of, 341; 
national, 338-340. 

Governor, first, 163-165 ; duties of, 
345, 346 ; election of, 354, 355. 

Granite, 254, 256, 317, 318. 

Grants, French, 35 ; N. H., 44, 54, 
55; N. Y., 88. 

Green Mountain Boys, 94, 95, 117, 
118. 

Green Mountains, discovered, 6 ; 
position and extent of, 330. 

Haldimand correspondence, 184-188. 
Hall, B. H., 266. 
Hall, Hiland. 322. 
Harrington, Judge, 210. 
Hawes, Silas, 253, 254. 
Hendee, Mrs., 177, 178. 
Historians, 222, 266, 321, 322. 
Hobbs, Captain Humphrey, 43. 
Home life of early settlers, 250-2.52. 
House of Representatives, State, 

342, 343. 
Huntington fund, 310. 
Hunt, William Morris, 267, 268. 



INDEX 



411 



Immigration, 259, 260. 

Indians, allies, 24 ; claims of, 20 ; 
battle between Algonquins and 
Iroquois, 7 ; geographical names, 
21, 22; mode of living, 17-20; 
bread-making, 179; Mohawk, raid 
against, 21; roads, 25-27; relics 
of, 13-16; sculptures, 15; St. 
Francis, subdued by Rogers, 48- 
51 ; territory of, 8-16 ; tribes, 9-11 ; 
villages, 11-16. 

Industries, change in, 252, 253. 

Inspector of finance, 348. 

Institutions, benevolent, 311. 

Invasions, British, during War of 
1812. 241 ; British, during Revolu- 
tionary War, 131-183, 141-147 ; 
Americans, during Revolutionary 
War, 119-129. 

Jackman, Gen. Alonzo, 289. 
Judges, 359, 369, 370. 
Juries, 370. 
Jury trial, 371-373. 

Lafayette, visit of, 271. 
Lamoille River discovered, 7. 
Laws, early, 202 ; how made, 340 ; 

improved, 273. 
Legislature, early, 202 ; work of, 

341-344. 
Libraries, early, 220 ; present, 310. 
Lieutenant-governor, duties of, 345, 

346. 
Log house, 63-65. 
Lotteries, 205. 
Lumber trade, 228, 247, 316. 

Manufacturing, 237, 245, 246, 252, 
2.53, 316-318. 

Maple-sugar making, of Indians, 36, 
37 ; of early settlers, 79 ; at pres- 
ent time, 315. 

Marble industry, 254-256, 316, 317. 

Mead, Larkin G., 269. 



Moderator, town, 361. 

Montreal, captured Ijy Americans, 

123, 124. 
Morey, Samuel, 223, 223. 
Morgan horses, 227. 
Morrill, Justin S., 319, 320. 
Militia, 350. 
Mills, grist and saw, 78, 79. 

New Hampshire Grants, made by 
Gov. Wentworth, 54, 55 ; claimed 
by New York, 60, 61 ; under New 
York control, 86, 87 ; resistance of, 
91 , 92 ; at peace with New York, 
197, 198. 

Newspapers, early, 220-222 ; of tran- 
sition period, 266. 

Partridge, Capt. Alden, 262. 

Phelps, Edward J., 320, 321. 

Pingree, Samuel E., 316. 

Pioneer life, 63, 63. 

Plattsburg, barracks destroyed at, 
336 ; battle of, 242, 243. 

Poets. 267, 322. 

Political, meetings, 351-353 ; parties, 
208, 271, 272, 351. 

Politics, early. 208, 209. 

Population, at close of French and 
Indian wars, 52 ; at close of Revo- 
lutionary War, 190 ; increase in, 
193; in 1900, 311. 

Postage, Brattleboro stamp, 381. 

Postal affairs, 195. 196. 

Potash and pearlash, 80. 

Poverty year, 246, 247. 

Powers, Hiram, 268, 269. 

President, nomination and election 
of, 355, 356. 

Proprietors of lands, original, 55 ; 
change of, 194. 

Punishments for crimes, early, 100- 
102, 202-205. 

Raid, against Mohawks, 21 ; against 
Schenectady, 27 ; Clark's, 237 ; on 



412 VERMONT FOR YOUNG VERMONTERS 



Derby, 237; Fenian, 301, 302; 
Lincoln's, 154-156 ; St. Albans, 
297, 298. 

Railroads, building of, 279, 280 ; in- 
fluence of, 280, 281 ; extension of, 
312 ; underground, 282, 283. 

Ransom, Col. Truman, 263. 

Recreations of early settlers, 84, 85. 

Regiments, 1st Vermont, 290-292, 2d, 
3d, 4th, 5th, 6th, 292-295; 7th, 
8th, 295; 9th, 10th, 11th, 296; 
12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 296, 
297 ; 17th, 297. 

Reid, Col., 99, 100. 

Representatives, in Congress, 201, 
273, 311 ; State, 342, 343. 

Roads, Indian, 25-27; building of, 
51, 127, 205, 206. 

Robinson, Rowland E., 321, 322. 

Rogers, Major Robert, subdues St. 
Francis Indians, 48-51. 

Royalton, burning of, 175-177. 

Saxe, John G., 267. 

Schenectady destroyed, 27. 

School, early, 74-76; directors, 362; 
industrial, 305, 306; legislation, 
306; maintenance, 216, 217, 26.5, 
307, 310 ; normal, 303-305 ; sec- 
ondary, 216, 217, 261, 262 ; super- 
vision, 263, 264; advantages, 307- 
310. 

Scouting, 41. 

Sculptors, 268, 269. 

Secretary of State, 346. 

Selectmen, 362. 

Senate, established, 272 ; powers and 
duties of, 342. 

Senators, duties of, 342 ; election of, 
355. 

Settlement of boundary between 
Npvv Hampshire and Massachu- 
setts, 37-38. 

Sheep-raising, 225, 226, 314. 

Sheriff, 358. 



Shire towns, 334. 

Slade's State papers, 266. 

Slate, 256-258, 318. 

Slavery question, 281-287. 

Smuggling, 230, 231. 

Stark, Col. John, 149-153. 

State, boards and commissions, 348- 

350; capital, 211 ; houses, 211, 2x2, 

276-278; flower, 312 ; seal, 165, 166. 
State's attorney, 360. 
Steele, Zadock, 178-182. 
Stone, Mrs., 157, 158. 
Story writers, 260, 321, 822. 
Stoves, 251, 2.52. 
St. Johns, captured by Americans, 

123. 
Superintendent of Schools, State, 

34S : town, 362, 363. 

Taverns, 225. 

Taxes, State, 3.51; conntv, 360; 

town, 367, 368. 
Telephone, 312. 
Temperance reform, 261. 
Thompson, Zadock, 266. 
Town, government of, 360 ; number 

of, 336 ; meeting, 363, 364 ; ofiRcers, 

361. 
Treasurer, State, 846, 347; county, 

360 ; town, 361, 362. 

Vermont, discovery of, 6; declares 
her independence, 184, 135 ; origin 
of name, 137 ; admitted into the 
Union, 199-202; principles, 209, 
210; flag, 273; record in Civil 
War, 298, 299. 

Villages, Indian, 11-16 ; French and 
Indian, 36, 37 ; government of, 
369. 

Voters, 365-367. 

Voting, 366, 367 ; places, 366. 

War, King William's, 27, 28 ; Queen 
Anne's, 28-31 ; King George's, 42- 
45 ; French and Indian, 16-51 ; 



W 86 



10 



INDEX 



413 



Revolutionary, 110-190; of 1812, 

233-244 ; Civil, 286-299 ; Spanish, 

323-326. 
Warner, Seth, 96, 97, 118, 121, 123, 

124, 126, 142-144, 150, 152. 
Webster, Daniel, 274, 275. 



Wells, Horace, 269, 270. 
Westminster, first settlement of, 37 ; 

massacre, 105-107. 
Williams family, 29, 30. 
Williams, Samuel, 232. 
Wood, Thomas VV., 322, 323. 




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